That’s a latte dough!
Your pricey daily Starbucks habit will now cost you a few extra beans — if you live in California.
The Seattle-based coffee giant increased already-inflated menu prices in its Golden State stores this week after the state’s $20 minimum wage mandate for fast-food workers went into effect Monday, Business Insider reported. California baristas now start at $20.25 per hour with the potential to earn “comprehensive” health care and stock benefits for those working over 20 hours per week, according to the company.
The new law, AB-1228, impacts fast-food establishments with more than 60 locations nationwide, including Starbucks, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
Comparing previous receipts to current prices, items at some Starbucks locations have been jacked up by several dimes in some cases, BI found.
A spokesperson for the coffee chain confirmed to The Post that the rising prices in California stores are a response to the higher minimum wage — but declined to reveal the average item increase.
In their statement, Starbucks added that they plan to “offset its investments in [employee] wages” in several ways, including price increases: “As a company, we continually evaluate pricing on a product-by-product and market-by-market basis, evaluating and adjusting prices on an ongoing basis. The price range for our beverages is on par with historical pricing trends and consistent with others in the industry.”
The menu price increase was implemented as a way to offset the higher labor costs, but loyal customers who visit Starbucks regularly might not be able to dish out the extra change, regardless of whether or not they agree their baristas should get paid more.
For example, if your typical order increases by $0.80 and you get Starbucks every workday, multiply that by 260 drinks, and you’re paying an additional $208 a year for your daily treat — and that’s only if you get one menu item five times a week.
If you get more than one item on the menu, like a drink plus a snack, and/or purchase coffee more than five times per week, you’ll be spending even more each year.
The price increase appears to be upsetting both customers and baristas.
“As if we don’t get harassed enough,” a barista posted in the r/starbucksbaristas subreddit. “Good luck tomorrow, fellow baristas.”
“It’s so ridiculous, and I am slowly turning to my Nespresso machine to make my drink now. Shame on you Starbucks,” one California Reddit user posted.
“Yeah, I legit feel bad telling people the price and I miss some of my regulars who have stopped coming by as often,” another barista complained.