Fast food franchises have taken the world by storm. It seems as though there are quick-service restaurants on every corner and freeway exit. We’ve all been guilty of enjoying stopping by one on the way home from work or school to get a bit to eat. It seems so convenient. It’s also very easy for students to work here, as its hours can be morphed around their schedules. However, it may not only be the flexible hours attracting students but also the raised wages.

Working in fast food might not be everyone’s first choice as a career, but California has passed a deal that has increased fast food worker’s wages. Having this extra cushioned wage has drawn in many suitors. This has caused family-run restaurants to be overshadowed financially, as they feel “left out.” These independent franchise owners are now the ones having to pay for the raises, so they’re coming together (Cal Matters).

Jack Spillane (10) works under his parents’ company “The Cookie Element” where they produce all sorts of pastries and sweets. He states, “I feel like we need to, as a society, recognize family-owned franchises.” Although it may seem outrageous, independently owned restaurants will have to make up for this by paying for the raises (Cal Matters).

Over countless meetings, in person and online, franchise owners have urged to not adopt any further changes to the wages. As 2025 comes around, fast food wages will take an inflationary adjustment. However, it’s important to recognize the diversity among workers in the fast food industry. This increase, they’ve argued, has brought many of them out of the minority (Cal Matters).

Jack wonders, “Are fast food workers doing more?” This topic has been tossed back and forth. It seems like it will always be a highlight of the testimony as a whole. Even popular franchise owners have put into practice trying to relate to their workers by sharing experiences with their employees while wishing to benefit them (Cal Matters).

Both sides have debated this issue for months, discussing whether fast-food jobs have grown over the years or declined. Companies that have been affected by the heightened wages have had to cut back hours, reduce benefits, as well as raise their prices(Cal Matters). “There are fast food chains all over the world,” Jack announced, “But there is only one Cookie Element.”

We aren’t certain what the future holds for independent business owners, but we sure hope they get the recognition they deserve.