The Simplicity Of In And Out Burger
One of my biggest health vices are cheeseburgers. I know I shouldn’t love them but I do so very much. It’s as if I turn into Wimpy from Popeye at times and can’t help myself or my beef addiction. Especially late at night. It’s not very helpful that there is a In And Out just one exit away from me on Interstate 5 either.
Anyways, this blog post isn’t about my desire for burgers but rather the way in which In And Out structures their business and drive thru for maximum profits. Every time you drive by a In And Out there is always a line of cars waiting to get their orders. Most of the time, that line is about 10 to 15 cars deep too. However, people seem to have no problem waiting in line to get their Double Double.
Here’s why I think they go through the trouble to wait for their orders and why I think In And Out is so successful at what they do….
1. The burgers are damn good. I mean really good. They are by far the best fast food burgers you’ll ever have. The fries suck though, which I find weird. How can you make such great burgers but botch the fries so badly? I will often order a burger from In And Out and go across the street and get fries from McDonalds because they are so much better.
2. The employees are always super polite and nice. If you go to a Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonalds, etc. you often get a disgruntled minimum wage employee who could care less about you or your order. Every time I’ve been to a In And Out they are exceptionally nice.
3. The main reason why I think In And Out is so successful though is because of the simplicity of their menu and ordering process. There is really only 3 main choices and this really helps to speed things
In And Out Menu
Of course In And Out veterans can customize their order by making their burger animal style or substituting lettuce instead of buns but everything is super easy and basic. I’ve heard rumors that you can order grilled cheese sandwiches there too but I’ve never seen them on the menu. Personally, I stick to the drive thru menu and so do most of people that visit there. That menu is so simple and to the point.
The simplicity of the menu really does make the line go much faster. Customer always know what they want, and the employees have little troubles making it because it’s the same things over and over again.
Simplicity often gets lost by people with thoughts too grand or those who want to be ultra unique. I have nothing against being unique and separating yourself from the crowd but in business doing so can be often be to your own detriment. Especially in a business like fast food and burgers. Keep it simple stupid. And In And Out does just that.
Have you ever been to McDonalds or Wendy’s and looked at their drive thru menu and been mind boggled about the dozens of options in front of your face? Maybe there is a reason there is 2 cars in the McDonalds drive thru and 16 across the street at In And Out?
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” ~ Albert Einstein
Peace,
Jason
PS: Sorry people who don’t live in California, Utah, Nevada or Arizona. You have to drive a long ass way to get your hands on these late night munchies. I’m puzzled why In And Out has not spread across the United States like wildfire. Maybe they are running some scarcity marketing as well?
PPS: So I’m curious, do you think In And Out is the best fast food burger joint? I’m not talking about comparing them to Ted’s Steak House and Burgers, but rather other fast food places. Can anyone beat In And Out? What’s your opinion?
