LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The lunchtime rush keeps Carlito's Burrito employees busy, but with the president's new pitch to raise the federal wage, owner David Samuels says his business could take a hit.
"If I have to pay my employees more, that money has to come from somewhere. The only choice we would have is to raise price. Every restaurant always fears raising prices because you don't know if it will hurt business," said Samuels.
"It's good, it's a very good thing because we are having a hard time right now," said Ernesto, an employee at Carlito's Burrito who did not want to reveal his last name.
Ernesto is one of 12 workers at the restaurant. He says a minimum wage increase could not come at a better time.
"It's difficult because I'm a single dad. I have two kids and I have trouble paying for a babysitter. They need food, materials and medical. It's really hard," added Ernesto.
At the end of the day, Samuel says raising the wage can only do more harm than good in his industry.
"You work on very low margins between labor and cost of product itself. It's a low margin that you can barely keep 5 cents to the dollar," added Samuels.
While Samuels says he will keep a closer eye on the president's plan, others can't wait to get that bigger paycheck.
"Oh yea, it's going to help a lot. It's going to make a difference," added Ernesto.
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