The family-owned Oasis Café in Stillwater, Michigan has made national news for a new ‘minimum wage fee’ it is adding to patron’s checks. The 35-cent fee appears as a line item on guests’ printed receipts, and, according to the restaurant, it helps offset the cost of a recent minimum wage increase for tipped employees. The business told WCCO-TV the increase will cost them about $10,000 extra a year. On radio this morning, Glenn explained why he “doesn’t have a problem” with the fee.
“I actually don't have a problem with this one,” Glenn said. “If you're going to do it because of minimum wage, don't build it in – put an extra fee so everybody knows.”
Below is a screenshot of a receipt from Oasis Café:
It appears as though the fee has gotten mixed reviews from Oasis Café customers. While the patrons interviewed by WCCO largely accepted the businesses bid to stay afloat while complying with wage laws, the restaurant’s Facebook page has seen less positive feedback.
“You’re essentially blaming customers for the increase when you charge for it the way you do,” one commenter wrote.
It’s Oasis way of blaming our government for trying to set a fair living wage. It is political grandstanding,” said another.
Glenn, however, fully supported the business’s decision.
“Why are you complaining to them? Are they supposed to just eat that [cost],” Glenn asked. “This is the thing that kills me. People don't understand how business runs. They really don't have any idea… We are so poorly taught in our schools about what it means to be an entrepreneur.”
Watch the WCCO report about the fee below:
