Overnight, In-N-Out went from having loyal customers state their love of the popular burger joint unsolicited to facing a Twitter boycott.
The boycott started trending after Washington, D.C. journalist Gabe Scheider shared new public filings showing that the fast-food chain chucked $25,000 into the war chest of California Republican Party this week. And just like that, Shake Shack and Five Guys have the upper hand.
It’s not all that surprising for an Irvine-based company started by a Christian family that prints Bible verses on some packaging. But in a politically-tense election year, it’s a big no-no — especially in the solidly blue state where it operates a majority of its stores.
In-N-Out also donated $30,000 to the California GOP in both 2016 and 2017, but went largely unnoticed despite happening in highly partisan years, the Sacramento Bee reports. But it’s not entirely aligned with one party — it gave $50,000 to a pro-business PAC that supports moderate Democrats.
California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman called for the boycott and tweeted, “Let Trump and his cronies support these creeps…perhaps animal style!” Once loyal fans agreed.
I hate that In-N-Out has probably donated to the Republican Party before now and I gave them my business. They are my #1 favorite. No more, though. #BoycottInNOut
— Mother Resister 🗽⚖️✊🏻 (@MotherResister) August 30, 2018
Some Twitter users pointed out other companies, like Target and Chick-Fil-A, with stronger Republican ties as a way to call the boycott “nonsense” and reminded others that In-N-Out opts to pay a living wage. On the other hand, conservatives like Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik, encouraged the boycott to avoid long lines.
Yes, please #BoycottInNOut. Preferably between 8:30 and 9 on Tuesday and Thursday nights after my swim class. 🙃
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) August 30, 2018
