Jeff Bennett's Blog

The first time I went to an In-N-Out Burger shop was about ten years ago in California on a business trip.  It was like going back in time to a more simple era for many reasons.  The menu was so simple.  The place was packed.  The staff was friendly and engaged.  When I got my order the food was so fresh.  I try not to make burger joints part of my normal diet, however, when I am in California I do like o visit In-N-Out and my experience is always the same.

On a recent trip to California with my family I wanted to share In-N-Out with my clan.  My wife and kids were surprised at the simplicity of the menu.  Everyone was surprised that the food was cooked to order as well.  It was just like every other experience that I have had at In-N-Out…great.

I was always interested in who was behind this company and how have they maintained this business over the years.  Michael Hiltzik of the LA Times recently wrote an article:  “In-N-Out: Can Perfection Survive?.” Hiltzik explains the family control over this private company that has been in place for a long time, the excellent management team and the uncertain future due to death and inheritance that face all family run businesses.  There is a new book just out as well by BusinessWeek’s Stacy Perman that is titled: “In-N-Out Burger.”

Quality is a very hard thing to maintain in the restaurant business.  As a student and practitioner of business…it will be interesting to see how this plays out.  I for one hope that there is no change to In-N-Out.