John Curley asks Tom Douglas why anyone would own a restaurant in Seattle

Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas admits that it isn’t easy working with the city’s minimum wage law.

Douglas told KIRO Radio’s John Curley that he’s OK with the wage law, however.

“It’s a struggle,” he said. “It’s a struggle worth taking, though.”

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And that’s exactly where Douglas, who owns several restaurants in Seattle, and Curley disagree.

Curley asked why anyone should own a restaurant in a city where profits have dropped as business owners comply with the law that went into effect April 1, 2015. Under the law, businesses with 501 or more employees must pay $12.50 an hour if they pay toward medical benefits; $13 an hour if they don’t. Businesses with 500 or fewer employees must pay $10.50 an hour if they pay toward medical benefits; $12 an hour if they don’t.

The city is gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. However, Douglas is already there. He decided to make the leap and then figure out how to adjust. He told Curley he’s in the red right now.

“Why own a restaurant?” Curley asked.

Curley argues that Douglas will have to raise prices in order to pay for labor costs and start making money. And raising prices, he says, will turn people away.

Douglas says that isn’t true.

“You’re talking in black and white and it’s not as clear with an emotional business like ours,” Douglas said.

Listen to Tom Douglas and John Curley debate minimum wage.

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