“I took pride in my properties, the people we employed, and the experiences we provided. But if I were staring down the barrel of these changes without any imminent relief, I would’ve been forced to shut everything down without a second thought,” Prestin said. “It’s simply impossible to take your budget from last year – probably already razor-thin considering inflation right now – throw in a 50% increase in expenses and still expect to operate successfully. Someone would have to get the short stick, whether it be the staff who get laid off, the reduction in product quality, or the massive increase in consumer cost. Without legislative action, independent restaurant and small business owners across Michigan, especially in the U.P., will be forced to make these excruciating decisions or shut down entirely. It cannot be allowed to happen.”
