Few brands have the loyal following of In-N-Out Burger. If you live outside of California, it’s hard to really understand just how beIoved the brand is among its fans. If you live in California, it’s just a part of the experience. Until you leave, that is.
Most of that love comes from the fact that, as far as fast food goes, In-N-Out is about as good as it gets. Of course, a lot of its appeal also comes from the fact that the company’s 385 locations are located almost entirely in California and its neighboring states.
If, however, you live any further east of the Rockies, you’ve been out of luck. If that’s you, your only opportunity has been to find one when you travel west. Well, until now.
Last week, the company announced that it would be opening a corporate hub in Franklin, Tennessee, which will allow it to expand further east. In-N-Out also says it will be opening its first stores in the Nashville area by 2026.
If you’re a fan of animal-style fries, you understand that this is a big deal. It’s also a huge risk for the company and its brand. Here’s why:
This is a company that is fiercely opposed to change. It hasn’t added a menu item since 2018 (hot chocolate). It still sells just burgers, fries, soft drinks, and milkshakes. As a result, the restaurant is known for both fresh, great-tasting food and incredible customer service. I can think of only one other restaurant where you can get in a drive-thru line 30 cars deep and still have hot food in just a few minutes, and that one isn’t open on Sundays.
There is clearly a lot of demand for new locations. That seems like an argument for expanding to new states, but it’s also why the move is risky.
You see, over the past 75 years, In-N-Out has jeaIously guarded its brand. A big part of that has meant recognizing that fast growth isn’t everything if it means compromising quality. After all, quality is its brand.
In-N-Out only uses fresh, never-frozen ingredients–including its beef. That makes its burgers and fries taste better, but it also means the restaurant is limited in the areas it can serve.
The company also doesn’t franchise its locations. That has allowed it to maintain far more control over the level of service its restaurants provide, but has also meant it kept things close to home.
“You put us in every state and it takes away some of its luster,” said In-N-Out president Lynsi Snyder in a 2018 interview. She was right. Part of the reason the company’s burgers have such a loyal following is because they’re hard to get–especially if you live east of the Rocky Mountains.
It takes a lot of courage–if you think about it–to resist the temptation to grow at all costs. The thing is, most companies don’t consider that those costs are real, even if they aren’t immediately obvious. If the quaIity of your product gets worse the more customers you serve, you’re doing it wrong.
If, suddenly, there are In-N-Out Burger locations everywhere, it’s not as special. If you’re used to swinging by the Sepulvida location when you land at Los Angeles International Airport, and eating a Double-Double while watching planes land, it’s not quite as special an experience if you can get one on your way home from work.
On the other hand, there is value in meeting your customers where they are. In-N-Out is a restaurant, after all, not an amusement park. Sure, people look forward to eating there when they travel, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to grow–even if that means cautiously.
“Our Customers are our most important asset at In-N-Out, and we very much look forward to serving them in years to come, and becoming part of the wonderfuI communities in The Volunteer State,” said Synder in a statement. That’s an important acknowledgment–the part about customers being the company’s most important asset.
The interesting lesson here is that there is a balance between exclusivity and meeting your customers where they are. For a variety of reasons, In-N-Out has erred on the side of sticking close to home, even if that means it can’t serve all of its customers. That’s been a winning strategy so far, and I don’t think that will change just because it’s sIowly starting to open more locations farther east.
Skin Signals for the Diagnosis of Serious Conditions
Learn how skin signals can help with accurate disease diagnosis, prompt treatment, and better outcomes.
Beyond acne, serious illnesses may manifest as skin symptoms. Inattention to skin issues for aesthetic reasons can make things worse. Numerous skin indicators reveal serious illnesses that are underlying.
*Please keep in mind that our intention is NOT to provide medical advice. All of the content in our resources is only available for educational reasons. We admonish you to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Dark areas
Unexpectedly developing black patches on your skin could be an indication of Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency). This isn’t always the case, though. Other symptoms include joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Call your doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Discoloration
Have you ever had skin lesions that were white? It might be vitiligo, a condition in which the melanocytes stop producing pigment. Consult an endocrinologist or dermatologist if you have this issue for a diagnosis and treatment.
Rashes
Rashes are frequently associated with underlying issues. A doctor should be seen for the treatment of severe and persistent rashes, regardless of whether they were triggered by food, medication, or communicable illnesses like chickenpox. Some conditions, such Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyell’s syndrome, can be lethal. Adults who develop chickenpox should seek medical attention right away.
Edemas
If you frequently experience edemas, you should visit an endocrinologist because this could indicate hypothyroidism. Dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, and other symptoms are all possible with this condition, which is characterized by insufficient hormone synthesis. If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit a doctor.
Moles
Even while the majority of moles are harmless, you should still consult a doctor if you see any of the following: rapid growth, pain, or observable color or size changes.
Acne
Acne is a common skin disorder caused by excess skin oil, hormone imbalances, or digestive problems. Adopt a good skincare routine and seek individualized counsel from a doctor to effectively combat it.
Flaking
Numerous causes, such as vitamin deficiency, hormone imbalances, allergic reactions, and certain disorders, can cause flaking. When it is accompanied by significant symptoms, it may indicate the existence of a serious underlying illness.
Excessive sweating
Sweating excessively could be a sign of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid. Thicker skin and persistent itching may occur from this. If you have any of these symptoms, get help from a doctor immediately once.
Did you know that these deadly diseases can be detected by skin indicators? Please share your thoughts in the section below.
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