In-N-Out Burger requires no introduction for residents of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah as well as dedicated fans in other states who often make a special point to visit one of the chain’s 246 locations whenever possible. From its humble origins in 1948 at a tiny location in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out reached cult status through its slow growth approach of providing “quality, cleanliness, and service” to customers while maintaining an unusually good relationship with employees and suppliers. However, nothing proves the power of In-N-Out’s brand more clearly than a series of disasters that left the company without good succession plans. Read this article for a review of Stacy Perman’s recent book, In-N-Out Burger.
In-N-Out Burger’s Remarkable Moat
At a time when California’s economic and political foundation appears to be in tatters, it is easy to overlook how the state has often been on the leading edge of cultural changes in American society. Californians need no introduction to the success of In-N-Out Burger, a relatively small and privately held fast food chain that until recently had a presence mainly in Southern California. In-N-Out Burger’s founder invented the fast food drive through, a cultural milestone that changed the landscape of America. Read this article for more on In-N-Out and a video providing background on the company.