Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside

Florida Latest State to Pass $15 Minimum Wage

"Owned by St. Petersburg restaurateur John Horne, the restaurant’s owner warns the new $15 minimum wage will force him to raise prices, which he says will cause him to “lose cover accounts,” reduce the number of employees (“I won’t need all the employees”), and cut workers’ hours (“I’m concerned they’re going to lose hours”). Industry groups share broader concerns about higher labor costs: Carol B. Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, warned that business owners may seek “labor alternatives like automation.”" - Chris Crowley