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California's New $20 Fast Food Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know

By Ashley Cunningham - Publisher, Macaroni Kid Temecula-Murrieta-French Valley April 1, 2024

Hey there, fellow parents and friends from Temecula, Murrieta, and French Valley! It's your go-to local mom here, bringing you the latest scoop on California's new fast food minimum wage and what it means for our family outings and budgets. As many of us love grabbing a quick bite with our kiddos, this change is something to keep an eye on.

1. The Basics: A Bigger Paycheck for Fast Food Workers

Starting soon, our favorite fast food spots will be giving their workers a raise to a minimum of $20 per hour, thanks to a new state law. This means employees at big-name chains with at least 60 locations, like McDonald's and Subway, will be earning more. It's a big jump aimed at helping workers, but it might also mean some changes for us consumers.

2. What This Means for Our Wallets

With higher wages, some restaurants are saying they'll need to raise their prices to keep up. We've heard from places like Chipotle and Jack in the Box that prices could go up. However, there's a silver lining as some chains, like McDonald's, are thinking about keeping things affordable for families like ours.

3. Tech to the Rescue?

To balance costs, some of our go-to spots might start using cool new tech. Imagine ordering your meal from a digital menu that changes prices or robots making your fries. It sounds like a scene from the future, but it could be our next fast food experience.

4. Deals and Value Menus: More Bang for Your Buck

Despite possible price hikes, look out for special deals and expanded value menus. Taco Bell, for example, is adding yummy and budget-friendly options. So, we might still score some great deals for our family meals.

5. The Bigger Picture: Everyone's Getting a Raise?

This new wage isn't just a fast food thing. It might lead to higher wages in other places too, making it a bit easier for everyone to enjoy a little extra in their paychecks.


As a mom, budgeting for family meals out is always a puzzle. While the new minimum wage means some changes, it also brings hope for a better living standard for many workers. And who knows? With all the innovations and deals, we might find ourselves enjoying our fast food outings just as much, if not more. Let's keep supporting our local workers while staying savvy about our choices. Here's to finding that perfect balance between treating our families and managing our budgets in sunny California!

Stay tuned to Macaroni Kid for more updates on local events, deals, and news that matter to us, the families of Temecula, Murrieta, and French Valley. Let's navigate these changes together and keep making those precious family memories, one fast food outing at a time!

When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!