Good morning friends,

In Friday’s chamber newsletter, I explained some of the ways Question 5, the ballot question that would eliminate the tipped minimum wage for some restaurant workers while also changing the way tips can be shared, is complicated.

However, when we surveyed independent chamber member restaurant owners and operators in our four communities, the overwhelming majority (85%) told us eliminating the tipped wage would have either a significant negative or somewhat negative impact on their bottom line.

Fewer than 6% of restauranteurs surveyed felt the change would be beneficial for their business. Less than 6% felt it wouldn’t make any difference.

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In addition, the majority (65.8%) of the 40 owners and operators who responded to our survey believed that if Question 5 passed, the waiters, bartenders and other front of the house workers on their staff would actually take home less in earnings.

That’s presumably because in many restaurants front of the house workers already earn more than the minimum wage thanks to tips, while customers would be tipping less if the law were to pass and menu prices climb.

Additionally, even though back of the house workers (cooks, dishwashers, etc.) already earn at least minimum wage and, by law, are not eligible to share of tips, a majority of operators (34.%) felt these workers’ overall wages would remain the same, while 28% felt the new law could have a negative impact on their earnings.

That could be because back of the house wages might need to shrink to some degree, presumably because management would need to reduce payroll and/or headcount to compensate for higher front of the house payroll.

We did not survey restaurant workers because we didn’t believe we had a fair and accurate way to sample those workers, as opposed to our limited survey of chamber member restauranteurs. We hope there will be worker surveys conducted by others who have the ability to fairly do so and will share those results.

We urge you to spend time talking to the operators and workers at your favorite restaurants.  Ask them how they feel about this change to their industry and livelihood.

Your feedback, as always, is welcome.

New study sounds the alarm on competitiveness

The state's premier public policy organization, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, just released an alarming study that should be required reading for anyone who cares about the state’s economic vitality.

The study benchmarks how the state is faring competitively through 26 measures and documents significant challenges related to cost and demographic shifts.

Among the most pressing issues are the high costs of energy, housing, and childcare, as well as a declining labor force, aging population, and increasing rates of outmigration, the study notes.

Read the report here.

Today’s grab bag

• The Town of Wellesley is seeking input from business owners as well those who work, shop, attend a local college, or live in town in a DEI Community Survey. The survey close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, (Sept. 12).
  
  
• A reminder to young professionals:  Learn how to advocate for more housing for you and/or your peers at our virtual Housing Advocacy Workshop, Thursday (Sept. 12)  at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Also young professionals (ages 21-40): Enjoy a taste of Union Street tomorrow.
  
  
• Newton For Everyone has launched a great new feature called “What’s up with that Hole in the Ground?” documenting housing projects in process.
  
  
• You can no longer get “a snack or a meal” at the Busy Bee Diner in Brookline.  The Beacon Street mainstay has closed after more than a half century, although it may be in line for new owners. (Brookline News)
  
  
• The Second Step's Leadership Collective kick-off event is Sept 26, 6 p.m. at Flight Club Boston, featuring networking and darts. Join to learn about supporting survivors of domestic violence. Register.
  
  
• Congratulations to our friends at Chapman Construction on its 40th anniversary. Known for its commitment to green building and sustainability, the company, led by CEO Jack Hall, is now working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
  
  
• Big news: Wellesley Catch Connect has extended its transit service to evening service hours, which may be beneficial to some of your employees. Catch Connect now runs until 8:45 p.m.

Rausch has an opponent

After a contentious reelection fight two years ago, it looked like Needham Democratic state Sen. Becca Rausch was going to cruise to another term on Beacon Hill this fall without an opponent.

But it seems that Republican Dashe Videira, a Franklin activist, has waged a successful write-in campaign during last week’s primary and will on be the Nov. 5 ballot.

The play’s the thing, again, in Watertown

Finally today, the beautiful Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown once again has resident theater company.

Actors' Shakespear Project has moved from Charlestown to Watertown after having staged productions at 30 different venues across Greater Boston.

“It’s really exciting to be moving to this part of Watertown when it feels like Arsenal Yards is really booming — we feel like we can be a part of this renaissance,” Evan Turissini, ASP’s marketing director tells Charlie Breitrose at Watertown News.

 “All these amazing new restaurants in the area are going to love having dozens of hungry Shakespeare lovers come by before and after our performances.”

The company has performed every one of Shakespeare’s plays over the past two decades, as well as works by Wilson, Chekhov and Greek tragedies.

ASP will provide a sneak preview of its 2024-25 season on Sept. 23, and a full production of  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the spring.

The New Repertory Theatre had been in residence at the Mosesian (and before that in a Newton Highlands church) but closed after 40 seasons, citing financial difficulties.

That’s what you need to know for today — World Suicide Prevention Day — unless you need to know where people swear the most (and the least) and that’s even before tonight’s presidential debate.

Be back with a special message tomorrow.

Greg Reibman (he, him)

President & CEO

Charles River Regional Chamber

617.244.1688

I always appreciate your feedback.