The "In-N-Out Paradox" (stats, to relocate, title)

[Jimbo_1]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Let's stay within the confines of burgers.

I think any other topic would be more logical and important than the "great" IN-N-OUT debate.

[LINative]

I have heard of In-N-Out but honestly never knew where they were located or even what they sell! The pictures someone posted sure do look tasty --- I do like my fast food now and then.

I guess I can see someone making the argument that somehow fast food represents southern California culture. But honestly, when I think of California I do not think of food (!), the culture or the people. When I think of California, the first thing that comes to mind is the grand scenery; the mountains going down into the Pacific, the Sierra Nevada and the Redwoods. I also think of beaches and the warm climate. And of course Hollywood!

So to the OP, I would say that you may possibly be right that is some interest in a fast food restaurant from So Cal. But honestly I think more people are interested in a place that is not available where they live (creates curosity and interest) and the food simply tastes good!

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by missRoxyhart

Jimbo covered it, but it bears repeating. People don't get excited because the restaurant came from California, they get excited because it's almost exclusive to that state. It would be the same thing if it was the same restaurant but mainly only in Florida. That fact that it has so many fans for its supposedly great food and is not readily available to everyone is the draw. You have drawn a terribly deluded conclusion from whatever observations you've had of this.

We've already mentioned the same phenomena with other non-California restaurants. It's not the state of origin that's the draw except maybe for a small handful of people (never say never...) like yourself. The average person who's curious to see what the big deal is, isn't soiling them-self over the fact that eating those burgers will bring them closer to California in spirit.

Since you are from Connecticut, the idea of a steamed Cheeseburger now seems especially noteworthy. A cuisine only local to central Connecticut. If someone were able to market it properly, you'd have a winner that would blow the socks off of In N Out:
THE ORIGINAL STEAM CHEESEBURGER "BURG'R TEND'R

[missRoxyhart]

Originally Posted by mike0421

Since you are from Connecticut, the idea of a steamed Cheeseburger now seems especially noteworthy. A cuisine only local to central Connecticut. If someone were able to market it properly, you'd have a winner that would blow the socks off of In N Out:
THE ORIGINAL STEAM CHEESEBURGER "BURG'R TEND'R

I'm not sure I ever had one and I lived in Middletown for a while and I used to spend a lot of time in Meriden. I was young though so I didn't get to decide what I ate but it's on my list now, I love burgers.

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by Bluesmama

Where Inn-N-Out is concerned, I think you are wrong. I, personally, happen to love their hamburgers (dislike their fries) but I fail to see why California in itself would be the main lure.

Krispy Kremes birthed from North Carolina, and I remember back about 10 years ago when Portlanders literally camped outside overnight awaiting the grand opening of the first store here. The store is still in business.

Popeye's, from New Orleans, has almost a cult following (with me included).

I'm very envious of California for it's various beauty and ~ to me ~ ideal climate. And it's temperate, warmer beaches. That is about it.

Very true.

I ate at a Popeyes in San Jose when I was there & it was every bit as popular as the In N Out I also had while I was there.

Cajun food in California is often times seen as a delicacy where here in the South we take it for granted.

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by nslander

Some people brag about where they are from. CA has the largest population. Statistically, its going to have more people who brag about where they're from. Ignoring that reality makes justification of schadenfreude even more untenable.

Largest populaton of illegal aliens & people who aren't even from there originally.

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

Largest populaton of illegal aliens & people who aren't even from there originally.

Thats right; California and Texas together forever!

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by MB8abovetherim

I just hate Whataburger, that doesn't mean I'm making any generalization. See any or all of your posts to find an example of "making broad generalizations"

Lets have a little contest shall we?



In N Out

Year opened - 1948

Headquarters - California

Number of locations - 268

Estimated annual revenue - 465 million

Menu - limited to burgers, fries, & shakes made to order with gay "secret menu" items additional

Hours open - 10am-12am most days



Whataburger

Year opened - 1950

Headquarters - Texas

Number of locations - 700+

Estimated annual revenue - 1 Billion

Menu - breakfast, lunch, dinner made to order your way with straight forward menu items

Hours open - 24/7/365



Whataburger beats In N Out 4-1 end of story.

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

Lets have a little contest shall we?



In N Out

Year opened - 1948

Headquarters - California

Number of locations - 268

Estimated annual revenue - 465 million

Menu - limited to burgers, fries, & shakes made to order with gay "secret menu" items additional

Hours open - 10am-12am most days


Whataburger

Year opened - 1950

Headquarters - Texas

Number of locations - 700+

Estimated annual revenue - 1 Billion

Menu - breakfast, lunch, dinner made to order your way with straight forward menu items

Hours open - 24/7/365

Whataburger beats In N Out 4-1 end of story.

Those are unimportant factors youve used in your little study. The important thing is Whataburger is mediocre. While InNOut is duking it out with 5 Guys, Smashburger and other higher end burger chains.....Whataburger is competing with McDonalds & Burger KIng.....

Theres no contest here....
In N Out is privately owned and has strict quality control, (something Whataburger could stand to improve on), they are as big as they want to be, and they dont saturate their markets. They create demand for their product.

[sav858]

Does Whataburger have freezers? If so then it clearly doesn't have the quality In-N-Out does. Quality>Quantity.