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Fast-Food Shakeup: Arby’s, Jack in the Box Close Stores Amid Rising Costs

11/22/2025

28 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Arby’s closed 48 locations in 2024.
Closures continued in 2025, including a Maryland location.
Rising costs and California's minimum-wage increase for fast-food workers pressure the industry.
Jack in the Box plans to close up to 100 locations as part of its turnaround.
Taco Bell continues to expand, adding nearly 2,300 fast-food restaurants in California from early 2024 to early 2025.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, California passed a law to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022, following earlier efforts in cities like San Francisco. This legislation has led to significant operational changes in the fast-food industry, with companies like Arby’s and Jack in the Box closing numerous locations. The ongoing wage increase continues to reshape California's labor landscape, highlighting the complex dynamics of minimum wage policies.

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Story summary

Arby’s closed 48 locations in 2024.
Closures continued in 2025, including a Maryland location.
Rising costs and California's minimum-wage increase for fast-food workers pressure the industry.
Jack in the Box plans to close up to 100 locations as part of its turnaround.
Taco Bell continues to expand, adding nearly 2,300 fast-food restaurants in California from early 2024 to early 2025.

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