I just saw an article in the paper today showing that NJ is increasing the minimum wage (for non tip workers) to $15.13 at the beginning of the year and it was part of the law recently passed that includes the increase each year based on CPI. So businesses will need to pay workers more each year and probably charge more for food/services/etc. Inflation won't come down in this scenario so it's not sustainable. On the upside, I did pick up a package of bacon for $3.99 for the first time in over 2 years but I'm sure that's short lived at this point. Be prepared for a lot of places going out of business in the next couple of years and I wonder who's going to end up paying for it in the long run? :hmmm:

How much do you make an hour Jeff?

Jason

I support the local diners as much or more than ever, I don't think they're gouging anyone, it's their cost plus. What I don't support is street food, or trailer restaurants which charge similar prices and lack the service.

I don't anymore. I was salaried and I worked a ton of extra hours (without compensation) and even missed out on a ton of vacation days (went 5 years without taking a full day at one point) and holidays to help the company succeed. Now I'm fixed income living off my IRA/401K so the inflation/cost increases has hit hard. I did grab a hoagie from my nearby place yesterday but I'll get 4 lunches out of it and it tastes really good. But based on the hours I put in I was definitely below $24/hour.

New California law raises minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 per hour, among nation's highest

Another update: my local bar/restaurant just put out their seasonal menu change and the price on almost everything went up $2 or more! $17 for a sandwich/wrap/tacos/burger with fries! These items were $8.99 or 9.99 less than 4 years ago and there's no way I can justify these prices. One thing that most people did not notice last year was when they started charging an extra 3% to put anything on a credit card.