2 chapters across the catalog
McDonald's locations across Europe have largely replaced front-counter staff with touchscreen kiosks for ordering. This shift toward automation removes the need for traditional waitstaff, leaving only kitchen personnel for food preparation and pickup. The trend is seen as a direct response to rising labor costs and a preview of the "15 dollar an hour" future in the United States.
San Francisco Restaurant Health Surcharges
Restaurants in San Francisco have begun implementing a 3.5% "health and welfare surcharge" on customer receipts to cover the costs of new union contracts. This fee is added on top of standard sales tax and gratuities. Critics argue the floating percentage fee is inappropriate since worker benefits are typically fixed costs.
