What is In N Out? Why do people want to go back after each visit? What makes it so special?

To put it simply, In N Out  is a fast food restaurant in the USA that specializes in Burgers. Additionally it only serves French Fries, Milk Shakes, Soft Drinks; hence has a real focus on what it sells.

In 1948 Harry Snyder and his wife, Esther, founded In N Out as a drive-thru hamburger stand in Los Angeles, USA. In the humble beginnings, they took care of the daily operations. Nowadays, with over 280 restaurants across western America, the company still remains privately owned. Their approach is to organically grow the company, and critics say this is what enables In N Out to strongly emphasize on the quality and freshness of their ingredients.

Every ingredient is delivered fresh where nothing is frozen. The burger patties are made in their in-house patty-making facilities in areas, located less than a day’s drive to their restaurants. The French fries are made with high-grade potatoes, freshly cut in each restaurant, and cooked in cholesterol-free vegetable oil.

Upon entering an In N Out restaurant, like the one we visited in San Fraancisco, you can get the feel of a typical American Diner scene. The servers are lively, courteous and provide a quick service. Yet there is one thing that makes In N Out unique, and sets it apart from other fast food chains - The “Not So Secret Menu”.

It is not described in the menu, or advertised anywhere in store. You simply have to know it, or research it online. It’s simply how you would like your burger prepared, and you have six choices.  For example, a crowd favorite is The Animal Style, where your burger will consist of “hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, a mustard cooked beef patty; add pickle, extra spread with grilled onions”. The extra twist in the menu surely makes every visit a special one, and the more reason why In N Out has  a loyal customer base.

The animal style is so popular that a group recorded In-N-Out Animal Style music video, parody to - PSY ‘s Gangnam Style,  In the social media scene, almost 3 million people like In N Out facebook page  created for its customers’ enjoyment and information.

In a survey of over 10,000 people by the upscale restaurant guide, Zagat, In N Out alongside Subway and Wendy’s emerged as the best fast food chain  in the USA. This survey mentioned In N Out is the best in terms of the food quality, service and overall restaurant experience.

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 Images: Omar Niode Foundation