In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain that Breaks All the Rules
Written by Stacy Perman
Narrated by Loren Lester
4/5
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About this audiobook
It's the untold story of the renegade burger chain that evokes a passionate following unlike any other. In fast-food corporate America, In-N-Out Burger stands apart. Begun in a tiny shack in the shadow of World War II, this family-owned chain has steadfastly refused to franchise or be sold. It is a testament to old-fashioned values and reminiscent of a simpler time when people, loyalty, and a freshly made, juicy hamburger meant something. Over time, In-N-Out Burger has become nothing less than a cultural institution that can lay claim to an insanely loyal following.
Perman uses her investigative skills to uncover the story of a real American success story. It is not only a tale of a unique and profitable business that exceeds all expectations, but of a family's struggle to maintain a sustainable pop empire against the industry it helped pioneer, internal tensions, and a bitter lawsuit that threatened to bring the company to the brink. This is a lesson in a counterintuitive approach to doing business that places quality, customers, and employees over the riches promised by rapid expansion.
In-N-Out Burger is a keenly observed narrative that explores the evolution of a California fad that transformed into an enduring cult of popularity; it is also the story of the conflicted, secretive, and ultimately tragic Snyder family who cooked a billion burgers and hooked a zillion fans. As the story of In-N-Out Burger unfolds so too does the cultural history of America as influenced and shaped by car culture and fast food.
A HarperAudio production.
Editor's Note
Burger devotion…
The culinary and cultural history of how one family-run burger shack turned into a beloved chain, inspiring cult-like devotion with its fresh ingredients and traditional service.
Stacy Perman
Stacy Perman is an award-winning journalist and author. A former writer and correspondent for BusinessWeek and Time, her work has appeared in Los Angeles magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. Born in Los Angeles, she currently lives in New York.
Reviews for In-N-Out Burger
53 ratings4 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This book is part history, part family biography, part brand anthology of various important events of the famed burger chain. It does shed the light on the brands history but doesn't explain the rationale behind unconventional rules the brand followed. It does however cover some key developments of 50's America and evolution of fast food industry. This book does a good job of chronicling the important events of the chain and tells a well researched outsider narrative.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very interesting business book, extremely detailed story it’s quite long but interesting
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love IN-N-OUT. I read a lot about IN-N-OUT's history so I wasn't so surprised. But what I like about the story is the dedication to quality, service, and perfection. I like how the founders emphasized great taste at an affordable price and did not go on growth spree. There is an absolute beauty maintaining standards and treating the associates and customers well. The family feud was disturbing but it is what it is. And we are thankful that it did not implode In-N-Out. Hope we have more In-n-outs popping up through the world but that will be slow. Really thankful that I have an In-n-out near my place. Actually, it was one of the reasons why I live where I live. I can walk to an In-n-out :D
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A book that examines the history of California's beloved In-N-Out Burger. Perman needs to piece the story from the public record and interviews with former employees and competitors. In-N-Out is a very private company and did not participate in interviews with the major players. If you love In-N-Out and want to know about how they became a cult classic then this a book for you.