The Baltimore Sun

A trade association in Washington, D.C., recently surveyed area restaurants to gauge their economic outlook. The results were extremely discouraging: 40% of full-service casual eateries expect to close by year’s end. And that’s on top of the disappearing bottom line: The same survey of more than 200 dining establishments found 62% reporting lower profits in 2024.

Known as the “One Fair Wage bill” after the advocacy group of the same name, legislation pending before the Baltimore City Council could increase the base minimum wage for employees earning tips from $3.63 to $15 per hour.