Colorado Restaurants brace for impact from minimum wage hike

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Colorado’s minimum wage went up 32 cents an hour on Friday, with restaurants holding on by their fingernails during the COVID-19 pandemic saying it may be the last straw. 

The increase could prove catastrophic to restaurants already on the verge of closure, said Sonia Riggs, CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association.

“What may seem like a small amount will actually take a significant toll on restaurants who are already struggling to make rent, keep their employees on their payroll and keep their doors open even in the short term,” she said.