IN-N-OUT
For those of you who haven’t visited the west coast, you are missing out on something very special. No… not the warm weather or the scenic ocean views. Not even the glamour glitz of Hollywood or the night life. Nope, none of these semi spectacular things. I am talking about the real reason to hop on a plane and go west; IN-N-OUT burger. Let’s all pause here for a few seconds…mmm,mmm,mmm.
I have eaten many hamburgers in my life but nothing compares to the freshness and taste of a DOUBLE DOUBLE from IN-N-OUT.
Many years ago, while visiting California, a co-worker introduced me to IN-N-OUT. I wanted to grab something quick for lunch one day and inquired about a close fast-food place. I have been a regular visitor ever since. Sure there was a long line of people placing their orders and many waiting, with drool running down their chin, to devour their meal but believe me the wait was worth it. I didn’t know at the time that they use only the freshest meat and produce to make their burgers. I didn’t know that their French fries were out of this world. I didn’t know that they invented the 1st drive through restaurant with the first two-way speaker box. I didn’t know they were a family owned business. I didn’t know the lettuce was leafed by hand and the sponge dough buns were baked daily and that both the cheese and the ice cream for its shakes were 100 percent dairy. Heck, I just wanted to grab a bite and go back to work.
If you want to get tacos or a chicken sandwich or a Happy (?) Meal then forget IN-N-OUT. They only serve Burgers, FRIES, and a drink…nothing else.
It amazes me that in my lifetime I have seen a huge growth of McDonald’s restaurants around the world. They seem to always be adding some new food item to entice you. Recently they have been promoting specialty coffees and $1 meals. You can get chicken in many forms, tortilla wraps filled with stuff, nuggets of chicken parts, sausage, eggs, and muffins. I have seen them experiment with pizza and even full meals. McDonald’s has been very successful and if fast is what you want you can get in there. Yet, IN-N-OUT, after 60 some years, still only sells burgers, fries and a drink and yet their stores are packed throughout the day.
Now I don’t much care for the greeters at many stores who wish me a “Nice Day” when I enter. I know they don’t really care if I have a nice day but some consultant somewhere convinced their management that we customers want to be greeted when we enter their business. I suppose that would be a good idea if it really meant something to them. When I visit a fast food, or for that matter any chain restaurant, I am prepared for “matter of fact” service. But, such is not the case at IN-N-OUT. They treat their customers with respect and a friendly smile, every time you visit. The culture of the company is such that they are naturally friendly and treat their customers well. That friendly service and the spectacular food keeps me coming back for more whenever I can.
This family owned business has stretched its business legs a bit and I have visited one in Tucson and I understand they have some in Las Vegas. They may never make it across the entire United States so start planning your trip to California (or Arizona or Nevada) so that you don’t miss out on the fast-food treat of your life.
