On Oct. 1, Florida’s minimum wage increased by another dollar to $14 per hour – the fifth hike in as many years – and some local business owners, particularly those in the food and beverage industry, say the latest boost is coming at a difficult time.
Lee Olsen, general manager of Waldo’s restaurant at The Historic Driftwood Resort, said keeping his 52 employees paid has become his biggest battle. “It’s becoming more and more difficult,” Olsen said. “Because of the economy, we’re all seeing a decrease in customers. Instead of going out to dinner once or twice a week, people are now going out maybe once every two weeks.”
Olsen said he is revamping his menu this fall so that the restaurant can offer “smaller portions of favorite dishes at affordable prices, along with adding other lower-cost items that are a little more profitable.”…