Denny’s franchisee John Metz raised a big stink earlier this month when he said he’d impose a 5% surcharge to pay for Obamacare. As a result, other Denny’s franchisees were getting angry phone calls and threats of boycott. They were not happy campers, so the head of Denny’s distanced the corporation from Metz’s action and prevailed on him to retract.

But Judith Thorman, the International Franchise Association’s senior vice president for government relations and public policy, is sticking by Metz: “I hope people still have ability in this country to speak out on the impact of public policy issues on their businesses . . . That’s all they’re really trying to do is to say this policy will have a dramatic economic impact. We may not all agree, but I think it’s good if everyone comes forward with their opinion, and that we have a dialogue on it.”

Bless her heart.

In the interest of furthering a dialogue on a public policy issue important to franchise owners, we sent the following message to Ms. Thorman:

Dear Ms Thorman,

I publish a small blog called BITEME.ME (http://www.biteme.me). I read that you believe “it’s good if everyone comes forward with their opinion, and that we have a dialogue on it.” Good for you! I’d like to begin by asking where your members stand on reducing the minimum wage. Wouldn’t you agree that it would reduce unemployment and have a positive impact on your industry?

Thanking you in advance,
Ploni ben Ploni, Editor
BITEME.ME

John Metz Denny’s Obamacare Surcharge Stirs Big Mess For Restaurant Chain.