Southern California’s long-standing embrace of drive-through restaurants is facing increasing opposition as some cities grapple with traffic congestion, air quality concerns, and changing community priorities. The debate has intensified in Culver City, a compact community in Los Angeles County that recently moved to ban new drive-through establishments, igniting controversy and national attention.
Culver City, home to roughly 40,000 residents, has experienced growing dissatisfaction with the proliferation of drive-throughs, particularly an In-N-Out Burger location near the Costco parking lot. This site routinely sees queues of up to 20 cars, contributing to lengthy backups that spill into neighboring streets. Other In-N-Out locations near Los Angeles International Airport have similarly attracted criticism for congested lines in residential areas. When In-N-Out proposed a new “mega-drive-through” location featuring a 26-car queue and 61 parking spaces at a busy intersection, community pushback intensified.
“I love a burger and fries as much as anyone,” said Bryan “Bubba” Fish, Culver City’s vice mayor, “but hundreds of residents raised concerns about traffic, air quality, safety, and mobility.” Responding to these concerns, the City Council voted to implement a permanent ban on new drive-through restaurants. The decision drew backlash from some conservative media outlets, which characterized the move as a “war on fast food” and labeled it “anti-family.”
Drive-through culture has deep roots in California, credited in part to In-N-Out’s pioneering use of a two-way speaker in 1948 that launched the concept in the Los Angeles area. The growth of drive-throughs paralleled the expansion of suburban living, becoming integral to the state’s car-centric lifestyle. However, critics argue the model contributes to pollution, obstructs walkability, and undermines urban design principles that emphasize safe, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Local governments across California have varied approaches to regulating drive-throughs. San Luis Obispo imposed a ban as early as 1982, and cities such as South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and Claremont have adopted restrictions. Meanwhile, affluent coastal communities like Santa Monica continue to prohibit them despite budget challenges. Napa’s Planning Commission has recently considered expanding restrictions to not only restaurants but also dry cleaners and car washes, while Santa Barbara County debated a Chick-fil-A drive-through for over half a year before approving it.
The COVID-19 pandemic initially accelerated reliance on drive-throughs, with national traffic surging 30 percent between 2019 and 2022 as consumers sought contactless options. Chains responded with innovations such as digital pickup lanes and multi-level drive-throughs. Yet, rising operational costs related to labor, energy, and supplies—alongside competitive pressures from delivery services—have put strain on the fast-food industry.
In Culver City, rising affluence has shifted local attitudes. The median household income now hovers around $117,000, significantly above the county average, with neighborhoods increasingly valued for walkability, safety, and quality of life. Residents like Vanessa Martin, who organized opposition to the new drive-through, emphasize concerns over traffic near schools and parks. “That intersection is already gnarly,” noted Paul Hewitt, a local parent and community advocate.
In-N-Out representatives have refrained from public comment, though a senior company official expressed surprise at the city’s move, noting existing regulations address potential issues and that the city has previously approved drive-throughs, including the current In-N-Out near Costco.
As California’s urban centers weigh the balance between convenience, economic factors, and environmental quality, the future of drive-through establishments remains contested terrain, reflecting broader debates about transportation, land use, and community values in a state that helped invent car culture but is seeking new ways forward.