A former employee of In-N-Out has filed a lawsuit against the fast-food chain, claiming she suffered religious discrimination after a manager began scheduling her to work on Sundays, a day she traditionally reserved for church services. Arianna Rodriguez, who worked at the Long Beach location of the restaurant, allege that her religious accommodation was revoked after a change in management.
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According to the civil complaint submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Rodriguez asserts that she had been permitted to take Sundays off to fulfil her religious obligations as a Christian since joining In-N-Out in August 2021. However, she states that this arrangement was altered in 2025 when a new manager assumed control of the store.
The complaint asserts that, following the management change, Rodriguez experienced a “material change” in her treatment at work. She claims that after disclosing her religious affiliation, she faced increased scrutiny and was written up for issues related to her newfound scheduling conflicts. Rodriguez maintains that her request for Sundays off became a “recurring source of workplace conflict,” which significantly affected her work environment.
The situation reportedly escalated on 24 June 2025, when Rodriguez was suspended for allegedly mishandling food she believed to be waste. Subsequently, she claims she was fired on 3 July following an internal investigation into the incident. In her lawsuit, Rodriguez accuses In-N-Out of several grievances, including religious discrimination, retaliation for her previous complaints, and wrongful termination.
Rodriguez is seeking damages for the emotional and financial distress she has purportedly suffered as a result of her treatment at In-N-Out. She claims that her final wages were not paid, and that the company failed to provide required itemised wage statements, along with a lack of proper payroll and employment records. The complaint alleges that these actions amount to unfair business practices.
In-N-Out has a strong association with Christian values, brought forth largely by the founder’s family. Lynsi Snyder, the company’s CEO, has been vocal about her own Christian beliefs and her family’s influence on the company’s branding. In previous interviews, Snyder discussed the inclusion of Bible verses on the restaurant’s packaging, which she attributed to her uncle’s vision to intertwine faith with the business ethos.
“We strive to maintain the integrity of our product and the standards we have established,” Snyder remarked in an interview. She highlighted the importance of family values and how those beliefs have been woven into the company’s identity over the years.
As news of Rodriguez’s allegations spreads, the public eye is increasingly scrutinising the policies and practices within the fast-food chain. Critics of business practices that potentially violate employee rights are particularly focused on the balance between maintaining a workplace culture that reflects company values while also adhering to legal standards concerning accommodation for religious beliefs.
People have reached out to legal representatives for both Rodriguez and In-N-Out, seeking clarification on the ongoing situation. As the case proceeds, it underscores the broader issue of how companies navigate the intersection between operational policies and individual employee rights, especially regarding religious freedoms.
The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for similar cases in the fast-food industry and beyond, as employees continue to advocate for their rights in the workplace. As more individuals come forward regarding their experiences, companies may find themselves re-evaluating their practices to better serve a diverse workforce that values both inclusivity and adherence to personal beliefs.