Is In-N-Out really opening up locations in sunny F-L-A? If they move to Florida, can
your own little state be too far behind? In-N-Out Burger is one of the most popular
burger joints in the U.S., but if you live on the East Coast, you'll only hear about
it online as some sort of mythical fast food legend. Operating for more than 70 years,
In-N-Out has been the talk of West Coast fast-food fanatics. Even Anthony Bourdain gave it a
glowing review. In-N-Out is also legendary for its high-quality burgers and its expansive
"secret menu," with options ranging from animal-style burgers, well-done fries, and Neapolitan milkshakes.
Unlike other massive burger chains, In-N-Out isn't a sprawling franchise offering PlayPlaces,
mascots, revamped chicken sandwiches, or trendy marketing schemes. In-N-Out can only be found
in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Texas. Between them, there are more
than 300 locations. That's a shockingly low number compared to the staggering 18,332 McDonald's,
or even the 7,257 Burger Kings that dot the United States.
But why keep themselves so limited? If they are as great as everyone says, the company
should be scrambling to put up In-N-Out's from Maine to California, right? Is it some
intense West Coast pride? A fear of pushback by larger fast food giants? The answer to
this question combines a company promise, a taste for quality, and a rather unique method
of cultivating popularity. There are several explanations as to why the
cult classic burger joint won't expand beyond the West Coast. The first is due to In-N-Out's
strict policy of serving all food fresh. It’s a policy that is held with such regard that
no freezers, microwaves, or other culinary shortcuts can be found in any In-N-Out. Since
the meat can't be shipped frozen across the country without the risk of spoiling, all
In-N-Outs must be located within 300 miles of their distribution facilities, which only
adds to the allure of getting a fresh, juicy In-N-Out burger.
The second explanation borrows from the idea that the more exclusive something is, the
more people will want it. Exclusivity in marketing isn't an uncommon practice, and In-N-Out uses
its selectiveness to craft that mythical air around it as a humble, yet delicious, burger
joint. After all, isn't there something so rewarding about getting what few can only
dream of? "When you get out to the valley area; out
in Palm Springs, and out in Arizona and stuff, there might not be another In-N-Out for miles.
But around here, there's a lot of In-N-Outs." The third reason ties back to the company's
promise of "no franchising." To franchise, the company would ultimately be "selling out,"
changing everything beloved about the company. According to Lynsi Snyder, the president of
In-N-Out, that doesn't seem to be too likely in the future.
"It's not about the money for us. Unless God sends a lightning bolt down and changes my
heart miraculously, I would not ever sell." In-N-Out has gained a solid reputation because
it lacks any sort of stereotypical fast food "shortcuts." Such a concept may sound incredibly
strange in today's modern restaurant, where McDonald's fries are warmed under powerful
heat lamps and rumors abound of Olive Garden microwaving food. It’s because of this that
In-N-Out can never be too far from any of its shipping facilities, lest they run the
risk of the meat going bad. That much we know, but just how deep does the iconic burger joint's
devotion to fresh food go? According to In-N-Out, its burgers are made
with fresh chuck steak, which is de-boned and ground by a team of In-N-Out associates.
Its close proximity to its facilities allows them to control each step of the process to
ensure quality and freshness. But its pride doesn't stop at hand-made beef patties. Every
ingredient boasts a sign of In-N-Out's commitment to high standards. The lettuce is hand-leafed,
the American cheese is real, the fries are farm-to-store and fresh-cut in the building,
and the shakes are made with real ice cream. The company sacrificed a coast-to-coast empire
to ensure commitment to its values, even if it meant walking away from joining the ranks
of McDonald's or Wendy's in scale. And perhaps that's just the way that In-N-Out Burger likes
it. In early November 2021, Florida Governor Ron
DeSantis personally called Lynsi Snyder to pitch Florida as a new location for In-N-Out
to start slinging burgers. Did it work? According to an In-N-Out spokesperson, it’s going
to be a no. “While we are thankful for the gracious
invitation, In-N-Out Burger has no plans or intention to expand operations or move its
corporate headquarters to Florida." Sorry, America… In-N-Out isn’t coming
to your city soon. Check out one of our newest videos right here!
Plus, even more Mashed videos about your favorite fast food chains are coming soon. Subscribe
to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so you don't miss a single one.