We have all seen food prices go up due to suppy

[edhopper]

Right now Lobster Rolls in Maine, which used to be $18 to $24 dollars are $30 and up because of lobster prices.
About 15 years ago there was a flour shortage and bread prices at local bakeries doubled. (at least here in NY)
I see prices in NY significantly higher because of rents.
Yet people still patronize these places and the restaurants thrive.
But when they complain they have to raise their prices 50 cents to pay their workers a living wage, they swear it will bankrupt them.
Can we end this bullshit that a living wage means they go out of business.

[Grasswire2]

1. Maybe there are just too many restaurants.

I think about that, occasionally.

So many go out of business even in good economic times. Maybe they are just overbuilt. An intersection will likely have four, one on each corner, and several more up and down each city block.

Maybe it's not terrible if some portion just don't make it.

[edhopper]

2. The success rate is pretty low

but I doubt any ever went out of business because their employees were paid what they are worth.

[Shermann]

3. Restaurants have always had one thing going for them

Everyone who walks by is a potential customer. And with drive through windows you can capture the motorists too.

But I agree, I think we build way too many and should find more alternative types of shops to open.

[Grasswire2]

4. yes, and I'm thinking about the more high end places, too.

They trend, and then many fail. Just too much competition.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. A lot of people think owning or running a restaurant should be easy.

I've watched lots of the restaurant makeover shows, and it's astonishing how often someone with zero restaurant background decides to open one.

[crickets]

5. You make a good point.

I understand that keeping a restaurant running for a profit is tough to do. I get it. But if restaurants have to raise prices due to supply issues or higher fuel costs, they do. They find a way to make it work because they have to. Most restaurant owners don't consider employee wages a "have to" issue. They really don't want to have to pay them more, regardless of whether or not they should.