Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To get a massive raise.
The owner of a Chick-Fil-A in Sacramento, California says he plans on dramatically raising his employees' wages, paying some up to $18 an hour to sling chicken for him at his restaurant.
Employees at Eric Mason's Chick-Fil-A currently make anywhere between $12.50 and $13 an hour with the current minimum wage in California set at $11 an hour. The minimum wage will increase .50 cents every year until it hits $15 in 2022.
But Mason says starting Monday June 4, new and current empoemployees hired at this location be brought on as "hospitality professionals." Current employees who are making between $12.50 and $13 an hour can also apply for the newly created position.
The owner and operator of the franchise tells ABC 10 that he is very hands-on when it comes to his business.
"That really makes the biggest difference right?" said Mason. "We have great relationships with our community and our guests and also our team."
But Mason says regardless of any mandatory minimum wage increases from the state, he would have done this anyway.
"The people is the real key component to successful businesses," said Mason. "We're looking for people who are looking for long-term opportunity."
The issue for Mason is whether his employees can live on the wage he's paying them. In addition to the higher wage, leadership level employees will get paid time off and all employees will receive paid sick leave.
The owner admits the wage increases will be challenging for his business, but he says he thinks the community impact will be worth it.
If you're in the Sacramento area and are looking to sling chicken for $17 an hour, you can apply here.