McDonald’s Boosts Prices in California Locations Thanks to Minimum Wage Increases

Long gone are the days of driving through the drive through at McDonald’s for a cheap and quick meal.

Thanks to the ridiculous $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers in California, prices are skyrocketing.

McDonald’s $25 ‘deal’ goes viral, sparks debate over California’s minimum wage increase: ‘Your new normal’ https://t.co/hci5EyyVed pic.twitter.com/CeMjLZUk88

— New York Post (@nypost) April 10, 2024

Studies have shown the prices at McDonald’s have rise 100% since 2014, with Fox Business providing more on the price increases:

Ten years ago, the average price of a 10-piece McNugget meal was $5.99. Now, the meal usually goes for $10.99.

“Remember when 40 pieces nuggets was $5 and a large drink was $1,” one comment read.

“The managers special used to be 40 nuggets, a gallon of tea, and a LG fry for like 20 dollars SMH,” another said.

“I spent $48 there yesterday…my jaw on the floor,” a third commenter wrote

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While many simply blame inflation, the direct blame is the increase in minimum wage in California.

This is evident when comparing the prices for items in other states.

Fox Business provides a few examples:

“50 nuggets here is 15 [dollars],” one Florida resident said.

“It’s $6.19 in Dallas for a 20 piece and 2 large fries,” a Texan wrote.

McDonald’s is not the only company struggling with the new $20 an hour minimum wage, with many companies actually having to shut down:

Lemoore Foster’s Freeze shuts down after its owner says he can’t afford to pay the new 20$hr California minimum wage for fast food workers

Some of the employees thought it was an April Fool's Day joke

The Foster's Freeze in Lemoore closed permanently on Monday as California's… pic.twitter.com/QXhy7oABZA

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) April 3, 2024

California Bans Low-Skill Jobs with new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers.

Mass layoffs are already being announced, while major chains pour money into store automation so they can keep running without workers.

Fast food is only the start; California's already going after… pic.twitter.com/AQLXKSQd4h

— Peter St Onge, Ph.D. (@profstonge) April 9, 2024

Mod Pizza closes 5 California locations as $20-an-hour minimum wage law takes effect https://t.co/GcRHfY0CRs pic.twitter.com/x0kisV4Pmm

— New York Post (@nypost) April 4, 2024

With other fast food restaurants like Mod Pizza having to close, how long will this style of restaurant be able to stay open?