According to the Orange County Register, the implementation of a $20 minimum wage in California, which is governed by the Democratic party, has resulted in increased prices at In-N-Out Burger. As a consequence, families now face higher expenses when they wish to savor a modest meal together. Prior to tax inclusion, the cost of a Double-Double with fries and a beverage at this fast food establishment exceeds $10 in the state.

“A meal at In-N-Out is now $10.45 for a Double-Double, $8.65 for a cheeseburger, and $8.15 for a hamburger outside the headquarters in Irvine,” the outlet said.

According to the New York Post, In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder revealed in April that she actively advocated for cost reduction during company meetings amidst the rising fast food prices in California. This increase in prices was attributed to inflation and the implementation of the updated minimum wage, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom (D) in 2023.

“I was sitting in VP meetings going toe-to-toe saying ‘we can’t raise the prices that much, we can’t.’ I felt such an obligation to look out for our customer,” she stated.

In May, the minimum wage hike in California has resulted in the reduction of around 10,000 fast food positions. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Walmart has experienced a rise in sales as customers opt for purchasing groceries instead of relying on fast food establishments, due to the impact of inflation on their finances.

The outlet continued:

“Some customers feel that grocery store items have grown cheaper while fast food has grown more expensive. Due to the uptick in sales, Walmart’s stock saw an “all-time high Thursday, after it beat Wall Street’s quarterly sales and revenue expectations, and said it expected its full-year results to be on the high end of, or better than, its previous forecast,” according to CNBC. Walmart also saw a 3.8% rise in transactions in both its stores and online this past quarter. Meanwhile, restaurants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Yum Brands have seen a downward trend in sales.”