But then they'd have to provide benefits (like health insurance, parental leave, etc.) and treat workers with dignity and respect. In America, that's unlikely to happen without government regulations enforcing it.

to be fair, nowhere that's likely to happen without government regulation where there is profit to be had otherwise.

Is it the same for restaurant workers in Europe?

Yeah, $18/hour sounds less appealing if it comes with an unpredictable schedule and uncertain hours from week to week. I used to work retail, and it was rough trying to attend classes not knowing when I might get called in for a shift.