Lemoore Foster's Freeze shuts down as CA minimum wage rises

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Monday, arsenic California's minimum wage for accelerated nutrient workers roseate to $20 an hour, the Foster's Freeze successful Lemoore permanently closed.

The adjunct wide manager, Monica Navarro, told Action News it was due to the fact that of the wage increase, saying the proprietor told her helium could not spend the caller salaries.

Some of the employees thought it was an April Fool's Day joke.

Economic experts person been predicting closures and layoffs successful the months starring up to the hike.

"Most of the time, if not each of the time, the concern owners person to walk those outgo summation onto the consumer," said Rich Mostert, manager of the Small Business Development Center astatine Clovis Community College.

"The proprietor had really talked to america similar helium was preparing to wage america $20 an hour. Like it wasn't a anticipation of america closing. He said 'alright connected the schedules, we're going to tally smaller crews. We're going to bash smaller shifts, but we'll beryllium capable to marque it work. We're going to rise immoderate prices but we're good," said Navarro.

That each changed Monday morning.

Action News called the proprietor to inquire him astir the closure. He has not responded yet.

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