The owners of one of Binghamton's newest cafes opened their business to share a passion for quality, affordable coffee with a community they love.
"It's a beautiful community here in downtown Binghamton. There are a lot of new places popping up, and I love the culture, I really do," said Strange Brew Co-Owner Emiliya Bartashoff.
For Strange Brew, and other small businesses, being able to offer a good product for a reasonable price is becoming a bit of a challenge. Starting December 31, upstate's minimum wage will rise to $9.70 an hour. As for fast food workers, they'll be bringing home a dollar more, at $10.75 per hour. It's all part of the state's plan to gradually reach $15 an hour over the next several years.
"I've worked minimum wage jobs. I know that it's wonderful to get rewarded well for what you do, but at the same time, the cons will be ... for us to make up that difference, prices will have to go up, number one,” said Bartashoff. "Number two, there will be not just pressure on us as employers, but also on the employees themselves… more expectations."
For many employers, this is only adding to the burden. In 2015, New York restaurant owners began having to pay a $2.50 increase to their tipped employees. While the state-wide minimum wage increase is expected to benefit workers in all positions, some employers think it'll have a reverse effect.
"There are going to be people that have hours cut; it's plain and simple," said Tavern Off The Rail and Zona & Co. Grille Owner Mike Tulsey. "There are going to be layoffs; businesses are going to close."
Making ends meet will be an increasingly difficult task for so many small business employers, so now more than ever they are asking shoppers to remember the importance of buying local.
"I think that we are able to deliver a product and an experience that chains just can't," said Bartashoff. "So in order for us to stay open, to thrive, to be successful, we need the support of every single person that comes in through these doors."
These employers say before they're forced to make any cuts, they'll explore all their options with purchasing and scheduling.