New York Times: When Amazon Raises Its Minimum Wage, Local Companies Follow Suit

In an article published by The New York Times, Tony Darden, President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, explains that while many small businesses will follow suit with Amazon as the giant corporation raises its minimum wage, there will be consequences of that decision. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has over 100 centers either open, under construction or in development in markets across the U.S.and was ranked #38 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2020.

“When you have those corporations paying that much, it just puts pressure on the smaller business owners,” said Darden. “At some point, it always comes down to money. And so if there’s an employee who has the ability to make two or three or four or five bucks an hour more at another location, they go directly to the owner or to their manager.”

Darden explains that while small businesses will be increasing hourly wages employers might hire fewer people and cut hours to offset the increase.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes was founded in 2007 in Plano, Texas and now has locations across the globe.