In-N-Out Burger Raises Prices Following California's Minimum Wage Hike: A Look at the Impact on Consumers and Businesses

San Francisco, California, California, USA United States of America
In-N-Out Burger confirmed price increases at its California locations on April 1, 2023
In-N-Out Burger raised prices following California's minimum wage hike for fast food workers
McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box and other chains have also reported underperforming foot traffic in California compared to their national averages during April and May
Mixed reactions from Californians regarding the new minimum wage as necessary but pushing prices up for consumers
Price of a Double-Double burger, fries, and a drink now costs between $11.44 and $15 depending on the location
Starting wage for In-N-Out employees in California is $22 to $23 per hour
The Fast Act went into effect on April 1, 2023, offering fast food employees a $20 an hour starting wage
The price increase affects various menu items and locations throughout the state
In-N-Out Burger Raises Prices Following California's Minimum Wage Hike: A Look at the Impact on Consumers and Businesses

In-N-Out Burger, a popular fast food chain based in California, recently raised prices for some menu items following the state's minimum wage increase for fast food workers. The price hike affects various locations throughout the state and includes an increase in the cost of a Double-Double burger, fries, and a drink.

The Fast Act went into effect on April 1, 2023, offering fast food employees a $20 an hour starting wage. In response to this change, executives at chains like McDonald's and Chipotle also announced price increases to offset the wage hikes. The minimum wage increase has led to foot traffic declines for major chain restaurants in California compared to their national averages during April and May, according to data from Placer.ai.

In-N-Out Burger confirmed that prices increased at its California locations on April 1, 2023. The starting wage for In-N-Out employees in the state is $22 to $23 per hour.

The price of a Double-Double burger, fries, and a drink now costs between $11.44 and $15 depending on the location. For instance, at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, the cost is $13.63 after taxes.

However, prices are cheaper in other locations like Daly City where a Double-Double with fries and a drink costs $11.52, a cheeseburger meal costs $9.54, and a hamburger meal costs $8.99 after tax.

The price increases have been met with mixed reactions from Californians. Some support the new minimum wage as necessary to help workers cope with rising living costs, while others argue that it will push prices up too much for consumers.

In-N-Out Burger is not the only fast food chain experiencing these challenges. McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, and other chains have also reported underperforming foot traffic in California compared to their national averages during April and May.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any potential unintended consequences of the minimum wage hike on small businesses or consumers?
  • Is the data from Placer.ai a reliable source for foot traffic information?

Sources

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

In-N-Out raises California prices of Double-Double after minimum wage law

USA Today Thursday, 13 June 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • In-N-Out Burger raised prices for some items at California locations after minimum wage increase for fast food workers.
    • Prices for a Double-Double burger, fries and a drink increased by $0.25 to $0.50 depending on locations.
    • The Fast Act went into effect on April 1 offering fast food employees a $20 an hour starting wage, up from the previous $16 standard.
    • Executives at chains like McDonald’s and Chipotle also announced price increases to offset wage increases.
  • Accuracy
    • Prices for a Double-Double, fries and a drink increased by $0.25 to $0.50 depending on locations.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

In-N-Out confirms price changes on Double-Double and other menu items

ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Friday, 14 June 2024 07:50
  • Unique Points
    • In-N-Out Burger raised prices in California restaurants on April 1, 2023.
    • The minimum wage in California increased statewide on April 1, 2023.
    • In-N-Out Burger starting wage is $22 to $23 per hour in California.
  • Accuracy
    • ]In-N-Out Burger raised prices in California restaurants on April 1, 2023.[
    • Prices for a Double-Double burger, fries and a drink increased by $0.25 to $0.50 depending on locations.
    • In-N-Out employees in California start at $22 to $23 per hour.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Here’s what a double-double with fries and a drink now costs at Fisherman’s Wharf In-N-Out

KRON News Bay Area Phil Mayer Tuesday, 11 June 2024 01:31
  • Unique Points
    • In-N-Out Burger’s double-double with fries and a drink costs $13.63 at the Fisherman’s Wharf location in San Francisco after taxes, which is not mentioned in any other article.
    • Prices are cheaper in Daly City: double-double with fries and a drink costs $11.52, cheeseburger meal costs $9.54, and hamburger meal costs $8.99 after tax.
  • Accuracy
    • In-N-Out Burger's double-double with fries and a drink costs $13.63 at the Fisherman’s Wharf location in San Francisco after taxes.
    • Prices are cheaper in Daly City: double-double with fries and a drink costs $11.52.
    • Fisherman’s Wharf customers should pay over $10 for a cheeseburger meal and over $9 for a hamburger meal with taxes.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

80%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

We finally have some evidence that California's new $20 fast food wage is hurting business

Business Insider Grace Dean Friday, 14 June 2024 07:51
  • Unique Points
    • California raised minimum wage for workers at limited-service restaurants to $20 an hour on April 1.
    • Foot traffic to McDonald’s, Burger King, In-N-Out Burger, Jack in the Box and Wendy’s restaurants in California underperformed on foot traffic compared to their national averages in April and May.
    • Restaurants raised prices to offset higher labor costs. Some turned to technology and automation like order kiosks, considered reducing opening hours, or even laid off delivery workers.
    • Placer.ai data suggests that the legislation is having at least some impact on the number of customers visiting fast-food spots in California.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The author makes selective reporting by only focusing on the negative impact of California's new minimum wage on fast food businesses without mentioning any potential positive effects or counterarguments. The author also uses emotional manipulation by implying that the higher menu prices are deterring diners and that this is a bad thing, but does not provide evidence to support this claim beyond foot traffic data which may not be the only factor influencing customer behavior.
    • Foot traffic to McDonald’s, Burger King, and In-N-Out Burger restaurants in California appeared to fall in the weeks after they raised prices to offset the state’s new $20 minimum wage for workers at limited-service restaurants.
    • It’s clear that the menu price increase is having an impact.
    • Year-over-year visits to McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s restaurants in California trended well behind the chains’ national averages in April and May.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting R.J. Hottovy's analysis of the foot traffic data from Placer.ai. However, the author does not explicitly state that she agrees with Hottovy's interpretation of the data or that it proves a causal relationship between the minimum wage increase and decreased foot traffic to fast-food restaurants in California.
    • ]It's clear that the menu price increase is having an impact[
    • According to the data, the year-over-year change in the number of visits to fast-food chains in California across February and March was slightly higher than the national average. However, this abruptly shifted when the minimum wage increase went into effect.
    • Year-over-year visits to McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s restaurants in California trended well behind the chains’ national averages in April and May.
  • Bias (90%)
    The author uses language that depicts the minimum wage increase as having a negative impact on fast food businesses and customers, without providing any counter-evidence or perspective. The author also quotes R.J. Hottovy making assertions about the impact of the minimum wage increase on foot traffic to fast food chains in California, but does not provide any context or alternative explanations for this trend.
    • It's clear that the menu price increase is having an impact.
      • traffic to fast-food chains in California had been weaker than the national average in seven of the eight weeks in April and May.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      81%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      California’s $20 minimum wage led to fast-food price hikes, lower customer traffic, study shows

      Fox Business Network Breck Dumas Friday, 14 June 2024 07:53
      • Unique Points
        • California's minimum wage for fast-food workers increased to $20 an hour on April 1, 2023.
        • Placer.ai study found that foot traffic at major chain restaurants in California was up year-over-year and higher than the national average during February and March, but declined below the national average for seven out of eight weeks during April through May.
        • Rubio’s Coastal Grill filed for bankruptcy, citing minimum wage hikes as one reason.
        • Casual dining chains like Olive Garden and Chili’s appear to be benefiting from price increases at fast-food restaurants.
      • Accuracy
        • McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out Burger and Chipotle raised their prices to offset wage increases.
        • California locations of McDonald’s underperformed by almost 250 basis points after the minimum wage law went into effect.
      • Deception (35%)
        The article by Breck Dumas contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author only reports details that support the argument that California's minimum wage increase led to price hikes and lower customer traffic in fast-food restaurants. He fails to mention any potential benefits of the minimum wage increase, such as increased worker wages or reduced turnover rates. Additionally, the author uses emotive language like 'thousands forced out of work' and 'businesses are fed up' to manipulate readers' emotions and make the issue seem more dire than it may be.
        • McDonald’s, for instance, saw roughly the same year-over-year foot traffic at its California locations as the rest of its restaurants nationwide during the February-March time frame. But after the minimum wage law went into effect, McDonald’s California locations began underperforming by almost 250 basis points.
        • The study showed visits to California locations during April and May also underperformed the national average for Burger King, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out Burger and Chipotle.
        • During April through May, foot traffic to fast-food restaurants in California was below the national average for seven out of eight weeks.
        • The new $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has already caused a surge in restaurant prices and a decline in foot traffic since it went into effect April 1, data shows.
        • The analysis found that during February and March of this year, foot traffic at major chain restaurants in California was actually up year-over-year and higher than the national average, but that abruptly shifted after the wage hike went into effect.
        • California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation raising the state’s fast-food workers’ minimum wage to $20 an hour at SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023.
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The author uses an appeal to authority fallacy by citing a study from Placer.ai without providing any context or criticism of the study's methodology or findings. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that 'thousands were forced out of work' and 'businesses are fed up' with the minimum wage hike, but does not provide any evidence to support these claims.
        • ]California’s new $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has already caused a surge in restaurant prices and a decline in foot traffic since it went into effect April 1, data shows.[
        • The analysis found that during February and March of this year, foot traffic at major chain restaurants in California was actually up year-over-year and higher than the national average, but that abruptly shifted after the wage hike went into effect.
        • Businesses ‘Fed up’ with California’s minimum wage hike as prices soar, thousands forced out of work
      • Bias (95%)
        The author Breck Dumas reports on a study that shows California's $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers led to price hikes and lower customer traffic. The author does not express any bias towards or against the minimum wage increase, but he does present facts about the impact of the increase on fast-food restaurants in California. However, there is a subtle bias in the way he presents the information, as he focuses on the negative consequences for these businesses without mentioning any potential benefits for workers or consumers. This could give readers an unfairly negative impression of the minimum wage increase. Additionally, there are quotes from industry experts that express concern about the impact of the minimum wage hike on restaurants in California.
        • First, we've started to see some operators close locations in the state, especially chains that were already facing financial difficulties.
          • It's early, but we're starting to see the ripple effect of the minimum wage increase across the broader restaurant industry.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication