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In-N-Out Burger, extra everything. Photo: Marshall Astor - Food Pornographer, Flickr
Foodies or not, Americans are as defensively proud of their beloved burger joints as they are of their hometowns -- and In-N-Out Burger has attracted a notoriously cult following. The staunchly West Coast chain announced on Wednesday that it will be expanding from California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona to the Lone Star State, some 1,500 miles east, an announcement greeted by varying degrees of anticipation and outrage alike.
"The blog post I put up breaking the news that In-N-Out Burger was coming to Dallas basically shut down our entire server because of the traffic," marveled Dallas restaurant reporter Nancy Nichols. "Dallas is a burger-crazy town full of transplanted Californians."
Founded in Baldwin Park, Calif., in 1948, In-N-Out attracted attention as the first drive-thru hamburger stand in the state, garnering a devoted following. Along with convenience, fans applauded their emphasis on fresh, high-quality food and attentive customer service -- and perhaps the "secret" menu that locals embraced as an underground treasure (ironically posted in a not-so-secret manner on the company's website).
After months of unaddressed rumors circulating about the franchise's expansion, Carl Van Fleet, Vice President of Planning and Development, finally acknowledged the branch opening up in Garland, Texas. But he remains secretive and vague about the company's plans for the rest of the state: "We continue to work on a number of site opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. We're enthusiastic about the Garland location, but there is still work to be done, as there is on all of our projects in the area."
Until the eastern expansion, In-N-Out's 240 West Coast locations relied upon a single processing plant in Baldwin, Calif., for their "secret" blend of beef. But now that they're creating a new branch too distant for daily deliveries, they'll be building a new processing plant, which of course spurs further speculation of a string of restaurants expected to pop up in the area surrounding Dallas and Fort Worth.
After "Fast Food Maven" reporter Nancy Luna announced the expansion for the Orange County Register, bloggers furiously commented on the topic. After one proud Californian proclaimed, "Now these Texans can really find out what a REAL hamburger is all about!," the message board flooded with debate. A territorial Texan by the username "InNOutShminNPout" flew back with, "That's great if you like paper-thin patties. Texas is a meat state and we want quality burgers."
He's not the only detractor. Another unwelcoming blogger wrote, "The burgers may not be big enough for Texas." Categorized as a "fast-food style" burger by A Hamburger Today -- as opposed to a girthy pub burger -- only time will tell how In-N-Out fares in a state known for its cattle ranching and large portions.
Another commenter on the Fast Food Maven blog theorized, "Sound the death knell of this once-storied 'regional' cult favorite." But, as Burger Business declared in April, "Patriotism always sells." Regional fast food has been known to trump massive chains in overall sales, and plenty of eager ex-Californians and foodies are hankering for In-N-Out's first foray into Texas.
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6-02-2010 @12:27PM Chris said... Any chance of coming to the UK soon. Please?
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6-02-2010 @9:41PM lm said... They started building one here in Albuquerque-then poof they pulled it with no explanation. I'm so sad. And as for building one in the UK-y'all will just mess it up like you do other meats.
6-04-2010 @2:47AM ace said... lol, tell me where it says on thier website "double double animal style, animal fries well done with a large neo to go"?
6-04-2010 @9:22AM cc said... Their hamburgers are GROSS, so greasy and blah, worst hamburger I've ever had!!!! People are nuts if they like them, never understood why they do, ugh!!!
6-02-2010 @7:39PM Tom N. said... I will stick with my What A Burgers till hell freezes over. I was raised on these since the 1950's and they are still the best ever.
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6-02-2010 @7:44PM Steve said... ...well, buddy...hell is about to freeze over!
In-n-Out never freezes their beef. They used fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They use the best quality cheese, and a very fresh sponge bun that can't be topped. Their french fries are hand sliced just prior to being dropped into the oil to cook. REAL beef, REAL potatoes, THE REAL DEAL.
Try it once, and you'll see. I just ate Braum's yesterday, and it was just OK. In-n-Out is STELLAR!
6-02-2010 @7:50PM Tom N. said... I live in California now and have had an In and Out burger. Not very good. Will take my What A Burger any day over them.
6-02-2010 @9:24PM Kramer said... I lived in California for about 3 years and they go crazy over in & out but I hated there burgers I think it was the special sauce that sh@t is nasty. I could not wait to get back to Texas and eat a real burger (Whataburger)!!!!
6-03-2010 @12:03AM Katie said... I had one of these burgers and they are truly no big deal. I've had better burgers in Texas, Georgia, and Philly to name a few places. Everybody uses fresh lettuce and tomato (can't freeze them) and onions are usually fresh unless it's McyD's or Burger King. The roll was nice, but I had a sour dough roll in Texas that beat all. California can keep this as far as I'm concerned. I wish them the best of luck, but unless they go in a city in Texas, I think they won't fare well. The freshest, best beef I have ever eaten was in Texas and Wyoming. You can't beat fresh ground sirloin made into a burger.
6-02-2010 @7:41PM R. Wilson said... Garland Texas is in for a treat. I enjoyed my first In-n-Out Burger in El Monte, Calif. in 1953 and I am still enjoying them. Best burger ever made, bar none.
Bob, Ft. Mohave, Az
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6-02-2010 @7:40PM Steve said... I just moved to Texas from California, and I can tell the misinformed person who commented on Nancy Luna's blog that "Texas is a meat state, and we want quality burgers," In-n-Out is far better than any Braum's, Sonic, Whataburger, or McDonald's nonsense that you're gonna get in Texas.
The new Garland store will be flooded with converts, and probably will NEVER slow down.
Great call, In-n-Out! I'll be driving down to Garland to get my double-doubles frequently! Intelligent Texans will welcome In-n-Out burger, and learn that it is the only burger that is made right!
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6-02-2010 @7:47PM TRexLex said... Who cares about In and Out. That's California nonsensical chauvinism.
The burgers in Texas are much better than anything I have had in California or Nevada.
You're not going to the right places but national chains that are not from Texas. The local burger joints are fabulous. Just proves you are not a true Texan. In and Out is in for some heavy competition.
6-02-2010 @11:03PM EDDIE said... THE BURGERS ARE GREAT AND THE FRIES ARE COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY FRESH MADE. BEEN DRIVING TO CALIFORNIA SINCE 1976 AND IN- AND- OUT IS A MUST. AWESOME. BRING IT ON TO HOUSTON BABY!!!!!
6-03-2010 @1:44AM nadia said... I must agree with Steve on saying that In-N-Out is better than Braum's and Whataburger and pretty much all burger joints are better than McDonald's and Burger King. I grew up in Texas and when I tried the burgers in California I absolutely loved them. Everytime I go back I make it a point to stop at In-N-Out. I am from Grapevine and have to say that there will be competition. Burger places have flooded the area especially ones with "fresh" meat such as Five Guys, Freddy's and smaller non-chain restaurants. Granted Freddy's is a steakburger but in my opinion it's far superior to Whataburger. Whataburger is a hit or miss and for the past few years they've been misses.
6-02-2010 @7:43PM David said... Stop in Houston, for my kids, but keep going till you get to FLORIDA, Please!
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6-02-2010 @9:39PM Robin said... IN-N-OUT !!!!!! The very very best. I am from California and grew up with in and out, lived to the Baldwin Park one. I had my daughter bring me back a double double with grilled onions. Had her freeze it and take it on the plane back to me here in Florida. I love the french fries and the vanilla shake. My favorite., yummy i can taste it now. PLEASE come to Florida we will run the franchise for you. We will make you proud.
6-04-2010 @11:35AM jason said... If you live in Houston and want a real burger, go directly to Bellaire Broiler Burger. Do not hesitate. You will thank me.
6-02-2010 @7:52PM JoeandMarysOtherSon said... I live in Texas (although it's about a 5 hour trip to Dallas from my hometown) and I gotta say I cannot wait! I have a brother in the Navy stationed in San Diego and he took me to In-n-Out Burger when I went to see him about 2 years ago. It remains the best fast food burger I ever had.
Gonna have to call my uncle, who actually lives in Garland. May be making a visit soon...
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6-02-2010 @7:51PM Frank said... In-n-Out going to Texas?, How dare they jump over New Mexico to go to Texas, Oh Well, If they came over here to New Mexico, it would probably get screwed up by people wanting to add green chile to the burgers! .. So In-n-Out ... STAY OUTTA NEW MEXICO! .. I'll savor the great In-n-Out taste when I go back home to Los Angeles!
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6-03-2010 @9:47PM Shelly said... Steak & Shake is the BEST!! Move aside In & Out, What -a-Burger, whatever.....
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