In-N-Out Faces Religious Discrimination Lawsuit From Former Cook
A former In-N-Out cook is suing the burger chain for religious discrimination and wrongful termination, alleging she was pushed out after nearly five years on the job once a new manager began scrutinizing her Sunday church attendance.
Arianna Rodriguez had worked as a cook at In-N-Out's Long Beach, California location for close to five years without issue, according to the lawsuit obtained by TMZ, maintaining a schedule that allowed her to attend church on Sundays throughout her tenure. According to the suit, that changed when a new manager started at the location in October. Rodriguez alleges her Sunday availability quickly became "a recurring source of workplace conflict," and she received her first-ever write-up during that period.
Escalating to Upper Management
In December, Rodriguez says she brought her concerns to upper-level management, raising issues about her availability, her church attendance, and what she described as unfair treatment. According to the lawsuit, those concerns were dismissed. She was ultimately terminated from her position.
Rodriguez is now suing for religious discrimination, wrongful termination, and additional claims, seeking unspecified damages, unpaid wages, and reinstatement to her former job.
A Notable Detail Given the Company's Background
The lawsuit has drawn particular attention given In-N-Out's own public identity as a company founded and still owned by a devoutly Christian family. The chain has long incorporated its faith into its branding, including printing small Bible verse references on the bottom of its cups and food wrappers, making the allegations a notable contrast for a company widely associated with its religious values.
Representatives for In-N-Out have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. As with any pending litigation, the allegations remain unproven, and the company has not yet filed a formal response in court.
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