What happened
The city of Seattle is set to raise its minimum wage requirement to $22.14 per hour in 2027. This increase is part of the city's annual adjustment for inflation, which was first implemented in 2025 for employers and small businesses. Some Seattle restaurant owners have cited the rising labor costs as a key factor in their decision to close their businesses.
According to reports, the increased minimum wage has had a significant impact on small businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. Several owners have stated that they were forced to close their establishments due to the high labor costs.
