Los Angeles, California – In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder has made a commitment to maintain affordable prices at the beloved West Coast burger chain. Following the implementation of California’s new minimum wage law, Snyder assured customers in a recent TODAY interview that prices will not see significant increases to cover the higher wages for fast-food workers.
During the interview, Snyder emphasized her dedication to preserving the affordability of In-N-Out’s menu, stating that she advocated against substantial price hikes during executive meetings. She expressed a strong sense of responsibility towards the customer base and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their interests.
In addition to addressing pricing concerns, Snyder also mentioned that In-N-Out has no intentions of introducing mobile ordering options, as these could potentially compromise the customer service experience. Furthermore, she ruled out the possibility of franchising or taking the company public, reaffirming the burger chain’s commitment to independence and quality.
Despite some price adjustments at specific locations, In-N-Out remains steadfast in its promise to keep menu prices down. This stance sets them apart from competitors such as McDonald’s and Chipotle, who have announced plans to raise prices in response to the new minimum wage law in California.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged the impact of wage increases on franchisee cash flow, hinting at potential price hikes to offset rising costs. Similarly, Chipotle’s Chief Financial Officer Jack Hartung indicated a likely increase in prices for California locations, though a final decision had yet to be made at the time of the conference call.
As businesses navigate the implications of the new wage law, some, like Pizza Hut operators, have resorted to layoffs to manage costs. Over 1,200 delivery drivers were let go by major Pizza Hut operators in California before the Fast Act came into effect, underscoring the challenges faced by the food industry in adjusting to the changing economic landscape.