In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger was founded on October 22, 1948, by newlyweds Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California. It started as a revolutionary drive-thru hamburger stand, allowing customers to order and receive food without leaving their cars, thanks to a two-way speaker system invented by Harry. The company has remained family-owned since its inception.

While deeply rooted in California, In-N-Out Burger has expanded its footprint across the West Coast and Southwest. As of early 2026, it operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Tennessee. There are also plans for further expansion into New Mexico, with a new Eastern Territory Headquarters recently opened in Franklin, Tennessee.

In-N-Out is distinguished by its simple, classic menu focusing on three burger varieties (hamburger, cheeseburger, Double-Double), French fries, and milkshakes. A cornerstone of their philosophy is the use of fresh, never-frozen ingredients; patties are made in-house from 100% USDA ground chuck, and potatoes are cut fresh in stores. They do not use freezers, pre-packaged items, or microwaves.

Absolutely! In-N-Out is famous for its "not-so-secret menu", which allows for significant customization. Popular variations include the "Animal Style" burger and fries (mustard-cooked patty, special spread, grilled onions, and pickles), "Protein Style" (burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun), and the "Flying Dutchman" (two patties and two slices of cheese without a bun). You can also order larger burgers like the 3x3 or 4x4.

Since 1972, many In-N-Out locations have featured crossed palm trees. This distinctive design element was inspired by founder Harry Snyder's favorite movie, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," where a treasure was buried under four crossed palm trees. It's a subtle nod to the brand's unique heritage and a fun detail for visitors to spot.

In-N-Out attracts a loyal customer base due to its unwavering commitment to quality and freshness, ensuring a consistent taste experience. The ability to customize orders via the "secret menu" adds to its appeal. Additionally, the chain is known for maintaining relatively low price points despite its high-quality ingredients, offering excellent value.

No, In-N-Out Burger has famously chosen not to franchise its operations. The company believes that keeping the business family-owned and operated helps them maintain strict control over food quality and ensure a consistent customer experience across all their locations.

In-N-Out Burger prides itself on using fresh, never-frozen ingredients. Their hamburger patties are made in-house from 100% USDA ground chuck, and potatoes are cut fresh daily in each store for their French fries. They emphasize a commitment to quality by avoiding freezers, pre-packaged items, and microwaves in their restaurants.

Yes, many customers consider In-N-Out Burger to offer excellent value for money. Despite its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and in-house preparation, the chain maintains relatively low price points compared to many other fast-food establishments, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious diners.

Among the most popular "secret menu" items are the "Animal Style" burger (mustard-cooked patty, extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles) and "Animal Style" fries (fries topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions). Other favorites include the "Protein Style" burger (lettuce wrap instead of a bun) and the "Flying Dutchman" (two patties and two slices of cheese, no bun or veggies).