I used to own several businesses in Washington State. But I got smart and moved to Idaho. Washingtion is a very expensive state to live, and work in. The average restaurant nationwide according to the National Restaurant Association profits 8.3%, The average restaurant in Washington State makes 1.8% profit.
The hardest part of being a business, is controlling COG, and LABOR, and both seem to be climbing each year, slowly sucking the life out of the small business man.
The small business guys need to create an affiliate program. So we can compete with the big boys. I see my friends who have 20 and 30 stores, and they pay 5 to 10% less than I do for there products from the suppliers. If minimum wage goes up substantially in Idaho. I am moving to MEXICO(minimum wage in Mexico is $5 american per day).