In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Justin Foronda, a second-generation entrepreneur from Historic Filipinotown, has been keeping his restaurant, Hifi Kitchen, afloat in the midst of economic disruptions brought on by the pandemic. Through creative initiatives like a holiday market and board game nights, Foronda has drawn in customers and built a loyal following on Instagram. However, with California’s new minimum wage for fast-food workers taking effect, Foronda is feeling the pressure as costs continue to rise and profit margins shrink.
As small-business owners across Los Angeles grapple with the impact of permanent price disruptions post-pandemic, the new fast-food minimum wage has added another layer of complexity. While Foronda supports a higher minimum wage to address income inequality, the reality of rising costs is starting to take a toll on his business. The challenge of balancing quality service, fair wages for employees, and affordable prices for customers is becoming increasingly difficult in this evolving economic landscape.
Despite the challenges, Foronda remains resilient and hopeful, setting short-term goals to keep his business running. As he navigates the changing economic environment and uncertain future, his determination to make it to significant milestones, like the restaurant’s 5-year anniversary and Filipino American History Month, showcases his dedication and passion for his community. In the face of adversity, Foronda’s persistence and commitment to his business highlight the struggles and triumphs of small business owners in a rapidly changing cityscape.
