BoJester

Don't think there is ANY mention of the government at any level. The owners value their employees and are taking much less for themselves.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

The proprietor did a few things right, first he kept the menu real simple. That is a smart move, the less complicated the more can be spent on prep and presentation. Second, he went with natural products, another great move. People are looking for that 100 percent natural. This is clever, he does not say hormone free, or free range. Just 100 percent natural. Great marketing. Third, he put in some extra charges that one would not notice until they are paying. If the service is good and the food takes good, most people will not complain and probably be repeat customers. Very smart. All in all, I would say they did their homework and has found a formula that will work for a short time. In the long run, they may loose some customers from attrition, but if they are clever and do advertising outside of the normal then they have a good chance of succeeding. I wonder how many employees they have and if they are a family run business. If they are family run, all the better.
I too hope they have continued success.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

It all depends on competition and how much disposable income the consumer has. Also, another factor could be how many of the customers are using government food stamps to purchase their food here?

BoJester

If you are a trucker and have been to Detroit, then you know Telegraph Rd is a major artery, hundreds of businesses, including many fast food joints. So there is already competition,
But instead of applauding the efforts of owners who value their employees and take much less for themselves, certain miserable, unhappy posters display negativism and complaining about prices. Makes one wonder about the rhetoric of hard work, and entreprenuership that the right preaches about. Fact is, none of these employees need government assistance at that pay rate, and make enough to spend at other businesses. Which the WHOLE point of the article in the first place.

BoJester

Thank you actually thinking about the owners philosophy and business model. Since he is already paying employees $12.00/hour, his business must be able to sustain the soon to be higher labor cost.
The point is that other businesses might re-evaluate their policies to improve employee morale and turn-over.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

Bo, you need to take some business courses, and some economics courses. Then you'll understand how dumb this post really is.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

I sure would like to know how much of his gross income comes from the food stamp program. I'd wager it's pretty high.

VladimirPee

Maybe he loses money. Maybe he inherited his building and pays no rent. There could be a host of reasons how he can afford to pay so much. We just do not know all the facts

BoJester

Just pure, miserable speculation on your part. So jump in your truck and haul a load to Detroit, check this place out, and let us know how many people are using food stamps, since are so sure they are.

BoJester

What is even dumber is dummies relying to it. They do offer on-line GED's now, you should check it out.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Many or should I say most business could take a lesson from these people. When the higher rates go up, he has some alternatives. Because of his location, that of being in a depressed economy of Detroit, he can take advantage of government sponsored off sets in his taxes. This would save him considerably and enable him to retain his employees. If he keeps his staff low, then the problems of Obamacare will not be a factor. Morale can be managed with incentives, such as a half day off for birthday or even paying a 5 cents more an hour than competition. Recruiting of new employees should not be a problem as long as there is job security and a good working environment. I do not see that competition from fast food such as McDonalds or Burger King would affect his business. He is not going with fast food, but home style burgers and such. Yes, it is technically fast food, but when the burgers are hand molded and the fries are steak fries, the food appears more wholesome and therefore more marketable. I also saw his emphasis on sea salt along with the natural labeling. Again, I would say that it looks like a well thought out business.

BoJester

Why are conservatives so against higher wages? It seems to go against the inherent greed factor that cons are burdened with. Perhaps all of that rightwingnut rhetoric about business can't afford to pay wages, or taxes or benefits is just wrong, and cons are having a tough time adjusting their thinking.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

I happen to have an MBA asshole. Did you even graduate from grade school? Like a previous post says, there could be a whole slew of reasons not presented in that article as to why he pays what he does, and still makes a profit (if in fact he does). I own my own business, so I do know what it takes to run a successful and profitable business. You sir, don't have a clue! You just like to post articles/links that you think will produce an argument (contrary to yours) from anyone on the right. You're just a vulture sitting on a limb.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

Another asinine posting! Conservatives ARE NOT against higher wages! Man, you need to take those courses I suggested, you need them more than I originally thought. YOU DO NOT HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO RUN A PROFITABLE BUSINESS! I can't say it any plainer than that.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I agree that there are many factors that we are not considering, as pointed out regarding space rental and such. But, consider this. He is in Detroit. The government has just pumped in millions of dollars to help the desperate situation. This means that they also included incentives, especially from the city and state in buy in bonus for those willing to make start up business. That is an area that needs to be explored.

You second concern, also valid. But, to a business owner who is selling a product does it really matter the form of payment? Even if the customers are using food stamps to buy their burger, it is still money.

I am just a computer engineer and I do not have your background or experience. So, if I am wrong I fully admit that I am just looking at this from an outside position without any real education or experience. So, do not take my posts in a negative way.