Full Breakdown
Former In-N-Out Cook Files Lawsuit Claiming Religious Discrimination
8/18/2026, 11:06:18 AM
Core Allegations
Arianna Rodriguez, a former cook at In-N-Out Burger’s Long Beach, California location, has filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that the company discriminated against her on the basis of her Christian faith. The complaint states that after a new manager began overseeing the store in 2025, Rodriguez’s request for Sundays off to attend church services was revoked, leading to written warnings, a suspension on June 24 for handling food she considered waste, and her termination on July 3. Rodriguez also claims retaliation for “whistleblowing,” wrongful termination, failure to pay final wages, and other employment-law violations.
Background & Context
In-N-Out Burger is a family-owned fast-food chain whose branding has long featured biblical verses on its packaging. Rodriguez explained that her uncle Rich added the verses to cups and wrappers in the early 1990s, and she later contributed additional verses to fry boats and beverage cups. The chain’s soda cups, fry boats, and coffee cups display “John 3:16,” “Proverbs 24:16,” and “Luke 6:35,” respectively.
Timeline of the Dispute
- August 2021: Rodriguez begins employment as a cook at the Long Beach store.
- October 2025: According to the complaint, the new manager’s schedule changes trigger the denial of her Sunday-off accommodation.
- June 24, 2025: Rodriguez is suspended after handling food she believed to be waste.
- July 3, 2025: An internal investigation concludes with Rodriguez’s termination.
- 2025 (filing date unspecified): Rodriguez files the lawsuit alleging religious discrimination and related claims.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lynsi Snyder (CEO, In-N-Out): In a 2019 interview with the Christian Post, Snyder described her Christian upbringing and emphasized the company’s commitment to its standards.
- In-N-Out spokesperson: PEOPLE reported that the company was contacted for comment; a spokesperson has not responded to the request.
- People.com: The outlet has reached out to Rodriguez’s attorney and to In-N-Out for comment.
Potential Implications
The lawsuit raises questions about how employers must accommodate religious observances under California law and whether In-N-Out’s scheduling practices violated those requirements. If the court finds merit in Rodriguez’s claims, the case could prompt broader scrutiny of religious-accommodation policies in the fast-food industry and potentially result in monetary damages for alleged wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
