Op-Ed By Richard Warner
Pueblo Chieftain, Nov 1, 2016
I started my business to give people something different. We put a lot of care into creating a unique burger made with local ingredients that, I’m happy to say, customers love. Our employees are central to that experience.
Treating people with respect and paying them starting wages they can live on is not just the right thing to do — it’s good for my business and good for Colorado. That’s why I support Amendment 70 to gradually raise our state’s minimum wage to $12 by 2020.
We have found that by paying fair wages from entry level up, we’ve assembled a workforce of dedicated, loyal and hardworking employees. When they come to work, they’re focused on doing the best job they can do and are not distracted by worries over making rent or putting food on their own table. It shows in their customer service.
Simply making a good burger is important but it isn’t enough to keep my business going — customers come back for the food and because they had a good experience. I rely on my employees to give them that good experience, and a reason to tell their friends and families about us.
I’ve found that by paying everyone above the current minimum wage, and being lean in other areas where it makes sense, I’ve actually saved money. I have less turnover because my employees like where they work and stay longer.
We save on training costs, which can take a huge bite out of a bottom line and really add up if your business is a revolving door, like too many low wage restaurants are. And we save on the food waste that is part of the training experience.
What’s more, my longtime employees are more efficient and actually have helped me find efficiencies that save money in various aspects of running the business. And I can concentrate on improving my business in ways that help the customer experience rather than hurt it.
Raising the minimum wage will put needed dollars in the hands of Colorado workers — workers who also are customers at many other businesses. From buying burgers to buying bread, from repairing their car to clothing their children, businesses benefit from growing consumer buying power.
Raising the minimum wage also levels the playing field for small businesses. Frankly, I’m tired of subsidizing the countless businesses — many of them giant out-of-state chains — whose workers are being paid wages so low they can’t survive on their full-time paychecks. Too many employees who work full time depend on government assistance to make ends meet because their wages don’t even cover basic necessities. That needs to change.
By gradually raising the state’s minimum wage to a more reasonable base of $12 by 2020, and adjusting it to the cost of living after that, we will create a stronger workforce, stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger economy. The gradual increase will give low-wage businesses time to adjust to the increased labor cost and time to reap the benefits of better pay and greater consumer demand.
Many Colorado business people agree with me. More than 200 businessowners across the state signed a Colorado Business for a Fair Minimum Wage statement supporting Amendment 70, and I’m happy more of my fellow business owners are joining us every day.
Bingo Burger is rooted in Colorado. Our burgers get their special flavor from our locally grown Pueblo Chiles. We’re invested in our local ingredients, our employees, our customers and the communities we are part of.
I’ve found success by creating a one-of-a-kind burger. But I look forward to the time when paying employees fair wages is part of everyone’s recipe.
Richard Warner is the owner of Bingo Burger, with locations in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
Copyright 2016 Richard Warner