Justin Foronda, the owner of Hifi Kitchen in Los Angeles, is a strong advocate for a higher minimum wage and is dedicated to paying his employees well. As a second-generation entrepreneur from Historic Filipinotown, Foronda has implemented creative strategies to keep his business thriving, including hosting events and offering specials.
However, the recent minimum wage increase in California has been putting a strain on small business owners like Foronda who are struggling to keep up with rising costs. The wage hike, particularly for fast-food workers, was implemented to address income inequality but is impacting all businesses as they compete for entry-level employees.
Small businesses, especially those in urban areas like Paul’s Kitchen, are facing challenges such as reduced hours and increased prices to cover expenses. While economists believe that a higher minimum wage can benefit communities, they also stress the importance of providing support to businesses to help them survive the economic impact.
Foronda’s short-term goal is to make it to October, the Filipino American History Month, before reevaluating the future of his business. Despite the challenges posed by the wage increase, Foronda remains optimistic about the resilience of small businesses like his in the face of economic hardships. Stay tuned to The Puck Drop for more updates on this developing story.
