Written by Elizabeth Druist
Have you heard of In-N-Out Burger? Maybe driven past the signs on Fairview Avenue and wondered what it was? In-N-Out is an iconic Californian fast food place, with 271 locations in the Golden State. Now it’s expanding into Idaho, with the first location close to completion at The Village in Meridian.
Here’s what you need to know about In-N-Out. According to their website, Harry Snyder and his wife Esther opened the restaurant in 1948. It was the first drive-through hamburger stand in California. After a decade, there were four more locations in the San Gabriel Valley. They developed their signature burger creations, the Double-Double and Animal Style, in the 60s. There is also rumored to be a top-secret menu…check out their website for more information. The company is still owned by Snyder’s descendants.
In-N-Out is known for its simple menu, with only three burger, fry, and milkshake options. Their motto, “Quality you can taste”, refers to their policy of never freezing, pre-packaging, or microwaving their food. And, fun fact–printed on their cups and wrappers are Bible verses: On the soda cup is John 3:16, the milkshake cup; Proverbs 3:5, burger wrappers; Revelation 3:20, the Double-Double; Nahum 1:7, and some others. According to the current owner of In-N-Out, Lynsi Snyder, her uncle Rich (son of Harry and Esther) had originally put the Bible verses on the products. Lynsi stated, “He had just accepted the Lord and wanted to put that little touch of his faith on our brand.”
Will other Idaho In-N-Out locations open in the future? According to the Idaho State Journal, the Chief Operating Officer for In-N-Out had no concrete information, saying, “We are still in the early stages of our development plans in Idaho.” However, if the first location is successful, more will probably follow.
But why In-N-Out? Why choose to eat here instead of Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, The Habit, or the many other local burger places? One reason you might be inclined to patronize In-N-Out is its support for helpful causes. They fundraise to fight substance abuse and child abuse (The In-N-Out Burger Foundation and Slave 2 Nothing Foundation). They have links on their website to donate, and also tip jars in their restaurants for these foundations.
Possible traffic backups and long lines for the upcoming In-N-Out location in The Village may drive you away from wanting to eat there. But maybe there’s a reason it’s so successful in other states. Maybe the burgers are just better–maybe the food really is “Quality you can taste”. How will you know until you try it?
Photo Credit: KBOI News
The Bishop Kelly Newspaper 