In-N-Out Burger

Check out the history of In-N-Out Burger, plus loads of fun facts, trivia, celebrity watch, links to In-N-Out Burger bling, and much more.

There are some “firsts” in our lives that we will never forget. First kisses, first time at Disneyland, first time driving a car, the first time in an airplane (assuming you weren’t a baby or very young child) and… your first In-N-Out Burger!

Press has hailed In-N-Out Burger as “a cult phenomenon”, “a California institution”, “marches to its own beat”, and “the freshest, friendliest fast food”.

How It All Started

In the shadow of World War II, something great happened.

President Harry Truman had been in office for 3 years, Dinah Shore was singing “Buttons & Bows”, and couples were enjoying John Wayne in “Red River” at the cinemas.

And on the corner of Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park, CA, the first In-N-Out Burger, a small 10 x 10 stand, was born on October 22, 1948!

Founders of In-N-Out Burger

Harry Snyder was born on September 9, 1913 and Esther was eight years younger, born on January 7, 1920 in Sorento, Illinois.

Esther was a good student and attended Greenville College, before she went on to Seattle Pacific University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1947.

Very soon afterwards, in September of that same year, Esther was managing a restaurant in Seattle, Washington and Harry literally walked into her life. (Cue the violins.)

Having returned to civilian life, after fulfilling his patriotic duty as a serviceman, Harry went to work in the food industry, where he had previous experience before the war.

Harry delivered some boxes of sandwiches to the restaurant Esther worked in and the rest is history, as they say.

Wedding bells followed, and within a few months the happy couple moved to Southern California to start their lives together.

Baldwin Park, CA

The Snyder’s settled in Baldwin Park, a town dating back 142 years to 1860, in a San Gabriel Valley.

With Harry’s experience in the restaurant industry throughout his life, he had food on his mind. He wanted to do something new, and offer a service where the customer was at the forefront.

Lives were busy for families in the 50’s and Harry knew that if he could open a restaurant where his customers could order their food and get it fast, then he’d have done something worthwhile.

On October 22, 1948, the first In-N-Out Burger, a small 10 x 10 stand, was born!

In-N-Out Burger’s main priority from the beginning has been Quality.

The original location was at Francisquito and Garvey. (You can check out the original location, along with the In-N-Out University and the Company Store on Google Earth here.)

The Snyder’s ran the show in the early days.

The freshness of the food served was important to Harry, so every morning he would go to the local market in Baldwin Park, and hand select the produce needed for that day.

Esther recalled that Harry believed the customer deserved to have the very best product he was able to deliver, no matter what the cost.

Esther was in charge of the books, and managed all aspects of the restaurant’s accounting. She would work from her home, which near by, since the hamburger stand was so small there wasn’t enough room for an office space.

Harry wanted to make it as easy as possible to get food, so out of his garage, he devised and crafted a two-way speaker system so customers could order their meals without ever leaving their cars. This was something completely new in the restaurant industry.

Harry believed the customer deserved to have the very best product he was able to deliver, no matter what the cost.

Other restaurants had car hops (think Happy Days) who would take orders and deliver food right to the parked cars, but now when they go to In-N-Out Burger, they didn’t even have to turn off their engine.

California was spending tax-payers money and building new freeways in the 40’s. Construction on the I-10 left the Snyder’s no choice… they had to relocate.

In 1951, the Snyder’s opened their second location and had their first child, a baby boy they named, Guy.

The following year, their second son, Rich, was born. With the growing family, they moved to a larger house in San Dimas, an upper-middle class area.

Opening Day Menu

The minimum wage in 1948 was .40 cents, roughly $4.45 in 2021.

Opening Day Menu Item	Menu Price
Hamburger	.25 cents
Cheeseburger	.30 cents
Fries	.15 cents
Bottled Soft Drinks	.10 cents

Let’s Take a Further Peek at the Snyder Clan

The Snyder’s knew the value of hard-work and had their sons, Guy and Rich, work in the store doing entry-level work with everyone else. They wanted to pass on the work ethics they maintained and ensure their sons would not be spoiled.

When Rich was a teenager, he started helping with the company finances.

Harry died of lung cancer on December 14, 1976 at 63 years old, leaving his restaurant legacy in the hands of his family.

Harry’s steadfast devotion to his associates earned him a lot of respect and loyalty through the years. Everyone was treated just like family.

With Rich’s natural talent at leadership and business, he was elected President of the family business of 18 restaurants after Harry died.

Guy was appointed the role of Vice President of the family empire.

Rich, a committed born-again Christian, decided to have bible verses printed on the cups and food wrappers.

About 17 years after taking the helm, Rich died tragically in a plane crash on December 15th, 1993. He was newly married and only 41 years old.

Read the Los Angeles Times report here: 2 Executives of In-N-Out Chain Died in Crash

At this time, Guy takes on the position of Chairman of the Board, while his mother, Esther, becomes the company’s president.

Having had a few accidents in his past, Guy struggled with drug addiction and depression. By 1999, Guy had nearly overdosed multiple times, eventually succumbing to death of a Hydrocodone overdose on December 4, 1999.

Esther continues on, leading the Snyder Empire for 58 years.

Esther died of undisclosed causes on August 4, 2006 at 86 years old, having outlived Harry by 23 years. In-N-Out Burgers were even served at Esther’s funeral.

Read the New York Times report here: Esther Snyder, In-N-Out Burger Founder, Dies at 86

The restaurant’s Core Values on opening day were: Cleanliness – Quality – Service. These values still hold true today.

After Esther died, Guy’s daughter, Lynsi took over the leadership of the business. She was only 24 years old at the time!

Like her father and uncle, Lynsi had started working in the restaurant as a teenager, in the kitchen at a Redding location.

Lynsi formerly became the 6th President of In-N-Out Burger on January 1, 2010.

If you Google Image Lynsi Snyder, you’ll often see her dressed in rocker-chic clothes and heavy jewelry. She is unmistakenly sweet in the few interviews and speaking engagements she’s had.

When Lynsi was 17, and again at 24 years old, people attempted to kidnap her. As a consequence, she prefers to keep a low profile, avoiding public exposure as much as possible.

In-N-Out Burger Branding Changes

• The yellow arrow we have all come to know and love was not on the original restaurant sign. The arrow was introduced in 1954, replacing the “No Delay” sign.

• The crossed palm trees seen outside most store locations, started in 1972, by Harry Snyder.

In-N-Out Burger’s Core Values

• They do not franchise.
• They pride themselves on Quality and Presentation.
• Quality is the most important ingredient in everything they do.

Fun Facts About the In-N-Out Burger Menu

• For the first decade, Harry & Esther sold both Coke and Pepsi, in bottles. Fountain sodas were introduced in 1958. Ten cents would get you a 12-ounce fountain soda to wash that burger & fries down.
• The infamous Double-Double was added to the In-N-Out Burger menu in 1963, selling for 60 cents.
• In-N-Out Burger never freezes their hamburger patties.
• It never takes more than 50 miles to transport the food products to each store location.
• The chain started offering their customers Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa towards the end of 2017. This was the first new menu item since they introduced lemonade 15 years earlier.

Not So Secret Menu

Secret Menu? What’s that all about?

In-N-Out lists six items on their ‘Not So Secret Menu’, but don’t let that fool ya! The chain is all about pleasing their customers, so there are far more options available.

• Animal Style – This was invented in 1961 and has since been trademarked by the chain. If you want it Animal Style, you’ll get a beef patty grilled with mustard, the usual toppings, and extra spread.
• Animal Style Fries – This is the only menu item they use the toaster oven for. Animal Style Fries are topped with a generous portion of spread, grilled onions and slices of cheese. Everything is then heated in the toaster oven until melty and hot.

Some Pretty Cool Reasons We LOVE In-N-Out Burger

• You won’t find any freezers, microwaves, or heat lamps at any In-N-Out Burger location. Everything is as fresh as possible!
• The fries are never frozen. The potatoes are peeled and sliced right at each store location with a special potato cutter, then fried in 100% sunflower oil. This is a tradition the family has upheld since Harry & Esther opened in 1948.
• Like your fries very crispy? Ask and you shall receive. If you want your fries super crispy, ask an associate and they will cook them extra for you.
• Love your fries dripping in that thousand-island type sauce they use, but don’t want them animal style? Ask an associate for extra ‘spread’, not sauce. They store the packets chilled and ready to give up.
• Milkshakes are made with real ice cream in their soft-serve machines.
• Going through the drive-thru and plan to eat in your car? Ask an associate for a “lap mat”. Harry Snyder started this practice, always having his customers’ experience in mind.

Guy Fieri says: “In-N-Out is the winner!”

In-N-Out Burger Locations

You’re not going to find an In-N-Out location in all 50 states. If you’ve got a craving for a Double-Double or some animal-style fries, hopefully you’re in California or the Southwest.

Be sure to get a copy of the Printable Location Guide before you head out on that road trip.

Don’t get lost searching for an In-N-Out store. Download the In-N-Out Locator from the App store.

Gordon Ramsay said: “In-N-Out burgers were extraordinary.”

In-N-Out Burger Nutritional Info

In-N-Out Burger Nutritional Facts

Food Item	Calories	Saturated Fat
Hamburger w/ onion	390	5
Cheeseburger w/ onion	480	10
Double-Double w/ onion	670	18
French Fries	370	1.5
Chocolate shake	580	18
Vanilla shake	570	19
Strawberry shake	590	15

And what about that amazing spread? The spread on a burger contains 80 calories and 9 grams of fat. But, while at In-N-Out, who’s freakin’ counting?

Bible Verses on Cups & Wrappers

In the late 80’s, Rich began the practice of printing bible verses on the cups and burger wrappers. Rich said, “It’s just something I want to do.”

Item	Bible Verse	Full Bible Verse
Soda cup	John 3:16	For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – NIV
Hamburger wrapper	Rev 3:20	Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. – NIV
Double-Double wrapper	Nahum 1:7	The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. – NIV
Milkshake cup	Proverbs 3:5	Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – NIV

In-N-Out Burger University

Having well-trained associates is a core value of In-N-Out Burger, so in 1984, they established their own university on the site where Harry & Esther’s home originally stood back in 1948.

The purpose of the university is to train their managers and their service associates on how to maintain the quality their customers’ have come to expect.

In-N-Out Burger Associates

In-N-Out Burger has one of the lowest attrition rates in the restaurant industry. Most fast food restaurant employees work at the chains for less than a year, while at In-N-Out the average part-time associate works for two years and managers average working for the company for 14 years.

Here are some of the awesome perks you get if you work at In-N-Out Burger.

• Free meal at every shift you work!
• Flexible hours. They’re very willing to work around associates’ school schedules.
• Competitive wages – In-N-Out is known for paying higher rates than similar restaurants. The website says: “We start all of our new Associates at a competitive wage for one simple reason… you are important to us! Our commitment to a higher starting wage is just one of the ways in which we show it.”
• Comprehensive training
• 401k plan
• 15% discount at the In-N-Out company store.
• Paid vacations
• Career growth and opportunities – The website says: “Opportunities are endless” and “all of our Store Managers were promoted from within”.

“Our work environment is team-oriented, fast paced and fun.”

Bright Red Aprons & Oversized Safety Pins

Associates wear bright red aprons tied around their waists and fastened with an oversized safety pin. This uniform addition was added in 1974.

Apparently, the linen company they used in the 70’s would secure the laundry bags with the giant safety pins. The pins became a ‘reward’ of sorts with the associates. The linen delivery driver would give the pins to the hardest working ones. They were finally added as a permanent feature of the uniform in ’74.

“Quality is our most important ingredient in everything we do, and that’s why people who join our family have to be the best.”

One thing that is standard across all In-N-Out locations is the incredibly friendly, smiling staff. In fact, they are consistently ranked among the top in customer service in the fast food industry.

Want to apply for a job? Fill out an application here: Job Application.

“We encourage ALL of our In-N-Out Associates to grow with the company and to become part of our success story.”

“It’s not about the money for us. Unless God sends a lightning bolt down and changes my heart miraculously, I would not ever sell.” Lynsi Snyder

In-N-Out Burger’s Brand Identity

Ever wonder why most In-N-Out stores have those two palm trees that seem to cross each other? Well, thanks to the 1963 comedy, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”.

Celebrities Love In-N-Out!

If you’ve been on Instagram for a second, you’ve seen the posts of celebrities chowing down on Double-Doubles after fancy award shows.

Think about it, celebrities make millions of dollars and most have personal chefs and can bypass the need for reservations at the finest five-star restaurants. So, what is it about In-N-Out Burger that draws them in droves?

Additionally, celebrity chefs, including James Beard Foundation winners and Michelin Star recipients love the California burger spot.

Spot the Celeb

The next time you’re at In-N-Out, be on the look-out for a celeb. You just might see some of the regulars:

• Adele
• Lucille Ball (RIP)
• Anthony Bourdain (RIP)
• Chef Julia Child (RIP)
• Miley Cyrus
• Priyanka Chopra
• George Clooney
• Miley Cyrus
• Model, Cara Delevingne
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ Guy Fieri
• Jennifer Garner
• Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten
• Selena Gomez
• Sammy Hagar of Van Halen
• Tom and Rita Hanks
• Paris Hilton
• Bob Hope (RIP)
• French Laundry Chef, Thomas Keller
• Diane Kruger
• David Letterman (RIP)
• Marilyn Manson
• Chloe Moretz
• Gordon Ramsay
• Sofia Richie
• Emma Roberts
• Julia Roberts
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Kiernan Shipka
• Britney Spears
• Chrissy Teigen
• Justin Theroux
• Reese Witherspoon

What Celebs Have to Say about In-N-Out Burger

Anthony Bourdain (RIP) was no stranger to great, high-end food and he said that In-N-Out Burger was the only fast food chain he actually liked and made a point to go there anytime there was one near. He went on to describe the Double-Double as a “perfectly designed protein delivery system.”

Julia Child loved In-N-Out so much she kept a list of store locations in her purse, and once sent her assistant out for a burger run while she was in the hospital. (Much better than hospital food!)

Julia told Larry King, “It’s awfully good.”

Food Network’s Guy Fieri, who has certainly had his share and more of burgers, said “In-N-Out is the winner!”

The members of 70’s rock band, Van Halen, ate at In-N-Out several times a week. Sammy Hagar said when he first joined the band, “we must have eaten there at least three days a week”.

Tom Hanks had In-N-Out burgers delivered to the cast & crew while filming The Green Mile.

Hanks was later spotted at the Fontana In-N-Out location, where he treated everyone in the restaurant at the time to lunch on him. (How lucky to have been there that day!)

Paris Hilton craved a Double-Double so badly she got a DUI on her way there in 2006. She told Ryan Seacrest, “I was just really hungry and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger.”

Chef Thomas Keller catered in Double-Doubles for his Napa restaurant’s anniversary party. Chef Keller said that because of his first experience at In-N-Out Burger, he was inspired to do a hamburger restaurant.

Keller opened Ad Hoc, in Yountville, CA. Ad Hoc sells burgers and fries three days a week, (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). You can get a grilled, beef burger with crinkle cut fries for $18.50 or a cheeseburger with fries for $19.75.

Hell’s Kitchen’s Gordon Ramsay said: “In-N-Out burgers were extraordinary. I was so bad, I sat in the restaurant, had my Double cheeseburger then minutes later I drove back round and got the same thing again to take away.”

Britney Spears was spotted in a convertible at the drive-thru window signing a menu for the In-N-Out Burger associates.

Chrissy Teigen is a frequent In-N-Out customer and although she prefers McDonald’s fries to In-N-Out’s, she’ll take an In-N-Out burger over any other, saying “I absolutely love In-N-Out!”

In-N-Out Burger Cookout Truck

Looking to host an event? Why not consider serving Double-Doubles?

In-N-Out’s Cookout Trucks are an awesome choice for a birthday bash, wedding, or even a work event.

Your guests can enjoy California’s best burgers without leaving the party.

• In-N-Out Emoji’s are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

In-N-Out’s Social Presence

• Facebook
  • Join the 2,790,819 other people who Follow In-N-Out on Facebook.
    • Enjoy fun posts, like Spot-the-Differences and What’s Your In-N-Out Name.
• Facebook – In-N-Out Burger Associates private group
  • Work at In-N-Out Burger? Join the 1.2K other Associates in the Facebook private group.
• Instagram
  • Over half a million people follow In-N-Out’s Instagram account, why not join them?
• Instagram – In-N-Out Burger’s Company Store
• Instagram – Official Instagram of Lynsi Snyder, Owner and President of In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burgers Foundations & Philanthropy Work

• In-N-Out Burger Foundation
  • Founded in 1984.
  • Mission Statement: To assist children who have been victims of child abuse, and to prevent others from suffering a similar fate.
  • Esther and her son Rich established the Foundation to give children hope.
  • The Foundation supports organizations that provide residential treatment, emergency shelter, foster care, and early intervention for children in need.
  • All costs associated with The Foundation are paid directly from In-N-Out Burger, so every penny donated goes towards helping abused and neglected children.
  • Make a donation today and help those less fortunate.
• Army of Love
  • Founded by Lynsi and her husband, Sean Ellingson.
  • Their Mission: “We bring together followers of Christ for training and empowerment to help them fulfill their purpose by utilizing their gifts to serve others.”
  • Make a donation today!
• Slave2Nothing
  • In-N-Out Burger created the Slave 2 Nothing^® Foundation in 2016.
  • The Foundation’s mission is: “to free people from being enslaved to any person or substance.”
  • All costs associated with Slave 2 Nothing are paid directly from In-N-Out Burger. All donations received go toward eliminating human trafficking and helping individuals and families gain freedom and healing from substance abuse.
  • Make a donation today!

Cops Get Free Meals!

Police officers, dressed in uniform, get one free meal during their shift. So, refuel with a California classic and keep the streets safe for us all.

Fun Snyder Family Facts

• Esther was a surgical nurse for the WAVES program during World War II.
• The family, and consequently the company, have a long association with drag racing.
• Harry was so interested in the sport, that he co-founded a race track in Irwindale in 1965. Piggybacking on interests, of course, In-N-Out burgers were sold in the concession stands.
• Harry accepted the Lord on his deathbed.
• Harry and Esther would not purchase anything for the store on credit.
• Lynsi Snyder has competed in numerous drag races.
• She is a member of the National Hot Rod Association.
• The In-N-Out logo was seen on Melanie Trozel’s sponsored car in 2010.
• Esther often deposited money into students’ accounts at Biola University to help them pay for their education.
• In-N-Out Burgers were served at Esther’s funeral.
• Lynsi was ranked a billionaire in Feb-2013 by Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
• Lynsi was listed as No. 93 on Maxim’s Annual Hot 100 List.
• The Forbes 400 List of Richest Americans had Lynsi down at a net worth of $3 billion dollars.
• This big billionaire stands at a mere 5’3″ tall.
• Lynsi inherited a collection of 27 cars when her father died.
• She has 4 children and has been married 4 times.

Visit the Original In-N-Out Burger Stand

If you ever find yourself in Baldwin Park, California, set your GPS to: 13766 Francisquito Ave in Baldwin Park and visit a replica of the original 10 x 10 In-N-Out Burger stand.

Check out TripAdvisor.

Shop Online at the In-N-Out Burger Company Store

Want some In-N-Out bling or perhaps a gift card for someone special? Check out their online Company Store.