Contact: Cat Ulrich
cat@emccommunications.com, (202) 630-7839

Jan. 27, 2022—Today, Governor Tom Wolf and state legislators visited &pizza’s Willow Grove location for a press conference in support of raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and a tour of the restaurant. Following remarks by Gov. Wolf, &pizza shop leader Kelly Maguire spoke about how the company benefits from paying fair wages. CEO Michael Lastoria credits fair pay as a key reason for the success and growth of &pizza, and the company supports raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15. &pizza  has about 60 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, D.C., Virginia and Massachusetts.

“Since the start of the pandemic, &pizza has opened 20 new locations and we are planning to open many more – including a new shop in Philadelphia next week,” said Michael Lastoria, founder and CEO of &pizza. “Higher wages are the single clearest way to say to our workforce, ‘We value you.’ Fair pay leads to better employee retention and productivity, and to increased consumer spending. Raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage will be good for business and good for workers.”

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009. Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15, which is echoed in legislation (HB 345 and SB 12). All six states neighboring Pennsylvania have minimum wages above $7.25. New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland are all phasing in a $15 minimum wage.

“As someone who hires and trains employees, I’ve seen firsthand what &pizza’s wages and benefits mean for our staff,” said Kelly Maguire, Shop Lead at &pizza in Willow Grove. “People are making a living and aren’t worried all the time about making rent and paying other bills. That creates a much better environment for everyone working and for our customers. Happy employees make all the difference in ensuring customers have an excellent experience and keep coming back.”

To arrange an interview with &pizza and other Pennsylvania business leaders supportive of raising the minimum wage, please contact Cat Ulrich at cat@emccommunications.com or (202) 630-7839.

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Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense. twitter.com/MinimumWageBiz