Waffle House, a popular chain of restaurants in the U.S., has announced a significant increase in pay for its workers following pressure from labor advocates. The decision comes after a year-long push for better wages.

In a recent video message to employees, Waffle House CEO Joe Rogers III revealed that the base pay for workers would be raised to a minimum of $3 per hour starting in June. This wage hike will gradually increase to at least $5.25 per hour by June 2026. It’s important to note that the base pay does not include tips, and the actual wage may be higher in states with different minimum wage laws.

Rogers explained that the additional costs of the wage increases would be covered by raising menu prices. He also mentioned that the wage increments would be implemented at a slower pace in rural markets compared to urban areas. Furthermore, the company plans to introduce tenure bonuses and shift premiums to incentivize employees.

Although Waffle House did not confirm the wage hike when contacted by The Associated Press, the Union of Southern Service Workers, a labor group associated with the Service Employees International Union, shared a link to the video message.

Over the past year, the Union of Southern Service Workers has organized strikes at various Waffle House locations, demanding not only higher wages but also 24-hour security at restaurants and an end to the practice of deducting $3.15 per day from workers’ pay for meals, regardless of whether they consume them while on duty.

Katie Giede, a Waffle House server in Atlanta, expressed optimism about the pay raises, stating, “The raises show that the company is feeling the heat. We’re going to keep organizing and keep fighting until we win.”

With 2,000 restaurant locations primarily in the South and Midwest regions of the U.S., Waffle House is a prominent player in the food service industry. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Norcross, Georgia.