LOS ANGELES — In September 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that requires California fast-food restaurants to pay their workers at least $20 an hour. The increase comes after a long fight by fast food workers to obtain a wage that would allow them to make ends meet in California.

Amid financial struggles, franchisees are forced to make tough decisions, such as increasing the price of menu items or freeze hiring.

For consumers, some are having to second-guess spending more money on fast food.