A Native Grill & Wings franchise is closing one of its Chandler locations due to "underperformance," not because of Arizona's recent increase in the minimum wage, according to a restaurant spokesperson.
In a statement to ABC15, Native said, "While we’re disappointed by the closing of our restaurant on Alma School Road, we want to emphasize the fact that its closing is due to underperformance. The position on minimum wage was an overstatement made by an uninformed manager for that franchisee."
A note was reportedly posted on the restaurant's door letting customers know that it would close after July 1 and cited the minimum wage increase as a reason for the closure.
"Since 1979, we have employed thousands of people at or above the minimum wage. We look forward to continuing to serve our loyal customers at our other restaurants throughout Arizona," Native's statement continued.
The restaurant has plans to open two more locations in Prescott Valley (September) and Peoria (late fall) this year, the spokesperson said.
It will also launch its new concept, Guidepost 13, a quick-service restaurant that will serve oven-grilled chicken wings, tenders and flatbreads, in Arcadia.
