[jdechko]

It’s the worst of all possible outcomes. Minimum wage stagnated and employees demanded better pay. Covid hit and forced fast food restaurants to adjust operations. Prices increased due to “inflation”, but really it’s just massive corporate profits. Front-of-house employees have been replaced by kiosks and self-service.

For the first time in many years, I had Steak N Shake. Had to order from a kiosk, get my own drink, and pick up my own food (it had previously been a full-service restaurant). That by itself wasn’t a big deal, but the kiosk had the nerve to ask for a tip! We didn’t all the work, so no thanks.

So the 30% raise is for fewer workers, and the costs (and work) will be passed on to the customers.