Inside Out Look at Increased Minimum-wage Impact on Franchise Restaurant Brands

"Minimum-Wage Issue Exerts Maximum Impact On Restaurant Industry" was a recent headline on Forbes.com and is the concern of many restaurant industry professionals including those of franchise brands with tens, hundreds and thousands of locations nationwide. Rising wages will force price increases across the menu. Brands have already begun to push their prices up as their labor costs have risen, either from mandated or expected hikes to the minimum wage or from costs associated with health care coverage. In addition, several national brands have already begun to roll out self-order kiosks to reduce labor. This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome long-time franchise and restaurant industry professional, Lynette McKee. With over two decades experience at Dunkin Brands, Burger King, Dennys, Checkers and Metromedia Restaurant Group, Lynette shares her perspective from the inside out of a labor-intensive industry that has already seen rising costs and declining profits. With a wealth of experience and time committed to education and leadership programs, Lynette also shares her insight on creating opportunities for minorities and women in food service and franchising. Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.