A business owner in West Seattle lamented that the closure of her business due to the rising minimum wage means the loss of a place where locals could safely gather.

Bebop Waffle Shop owner, Corina Luckenbach, posts farewell video before closing business December's final manufacturing PMI read comes in at 49.4 for six consecutive contracting months From heartfelt moments to fun surprises, look back at all the fun on Hoda and Jenna in 2024.

As of Jan. 1, Seattle’s minimum wage increased by 79 cents, reaching $20.76 per hour for all businesses, regardless of size. The other half of the building will also close for in-person business later this year, another casualty of Seattle’s rising business costs.

Restaurants and coffee shops, which often operate on thin profit margins, are struggling to absorb the costs of the $20.76 wage.