Yesterday Starbucks announced an increase in drink prices that will go into effect in its stores around the country.  Most notable though, was the company’s decision to increase prices even higher in the Puget Sound region.   Customers in the greater Seattle area (which includes King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties) will pay an average of about 3.5% more, while customers in other areas will pay just 1% more.

Starbucks said many factors contributed to the greater Seattle-specific price hike, but one can’t help wonder whether the $15 wage trend is playing a role in the Seattle-based company’s decision to implement price increases higher than in any other city.  Last year Seattle passed a $15 minimum wage law, and SeaTac adopted a $15 wage in 2013.  Now Tacoma is contemplating a $15 wage.  The Wall Street Journal noted other retailers, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, have raised prices in cities that have passed wage increases.

Last year Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz warned an increase in the minimum wage could result in a reduction in the company’s famously generous employee benefits.  Starbucks “partners” receive full health coverage, free food, bus passes, 401K, stock rewards, full college tuition reimbursement, bonuses and more—even for part-time workers.  Thanks to such benefits Starbucks is noted for its incredibly high “employee satisfaction” rate, perennially earning a spot on Forbes’ and Fortune’s annual “Best Companies to Work For” rankings.  Starbucks employees say they “love that we can receive benefits and stock rewards at 20 hours/week” and rave about the “potential for anyone to move up the ladder.”

Perhaps in keeping with the company’s employee-centered culture, rather than decrease the benefits of its partners, Starbucks is opting to pass the higher wages and other costs of doing business in the greater Seattle area onto consumers.