How In-N-Out Turned A $4 Burger Into $2 Billion A Year

In-N-Out defies the norms of typical fast-food chains. It doesn't franchise, avoids rapid expansion and sticks to a simple menu that's barely changed in 75 years. It has a cult following and lines that stretch down the block. Here's how it turned simplicity and consistency into a recipe for success.

Produced by: Tasia Jensen
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Camera: Andrew Evers
Editor: Marisa Forziati
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Senior Production Manager: Kathy Mavrikakis
Narrator: Nicolas Vega
Additional Footage: Getty Images, Cy Soliman

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How In-N-Out Turned A $4 Burger Into $2 Billion A Year

[JustPeople]

Above all else, the #1 reason In-N-Out has been successful is because its core business model has never changed. I hope whenever Snyder is done running the business, she finds a worthy heir in the family. All it takes is one person with greed, and it all comes crumbling down.

[infinitepower]

I remember when I worked there everyone was so happy and loved their job. Great pay and great atmosphere. I will always love the food. Cleanliness was next level.

[robbie]

I worked driving truck for the potato fields and I remember in n out coming to one of the organic fields checking on the quality of the potato’s. That’s when I heard that they keep everything fresh. Im not a fast food guy but after hearing about the quality of their food compared to garbage fast food joints like McDonald’s made me consider stopping by to treat myself to a burger once in a great while.

[spqr]

It is a difference between public and family owned companies. Investors demand more profit margins by all means - worsen quality of a product, unsustainable growth, underpay and cut positions for their employees. They don't care about a company, they only care about quarter short-term profits.

[hateprotoss]

I tried first time in-n-out while accidentally driving on highway in California and decided to make a turn to have lunch. Since that in-n-out the best burger in terms of price/quality.

[teenytinytoons]

Gentle reminder: In N' Out has been paying top wages in the industry for a very long time. That's what they've always been known for. But check this out, look at their prices. It has barely increased over the years and they continue to grow, no layoffs, no shutting down business, business hasn't slowed down. If anyone says increasing wages will increase prices, use In 'N Out as an example. Should be crickets.

[flynnketchum]

It's store is Clean, the staff are Clean and Friendly, the food is Fresh, and they have Not Gutted the Quality of any of it.
Pretty simple recipe.

[EMajorsH]

It is the consistency and quality of the burgers. The first meal I wanted when I returned from a trip from Mexico was an In-N-Out burger. Literally went straight there from the airport.

[Jason_Van_Stone]

I live in Southern California, and EVERY In n' Out I pass, is ALWAYS packed. ❤

[cegb]

As a Brit who tours around the states every now and then, I have to say that in-n-out is one of the best things on the PLANET.

[fn-]

I work in corporate at a great startup making over $100K now. But nothing compares to the satisfaction and fun I had working at In-N-Out or INO during college.

[Kbarboza]

This video made me homesick. I grew up in socal, down the street from the original location in Baldwin Park. I live in New Mexico now. Every time I visit my parents, It’s my first and last meal before I return home to NM. I believe in n out is expanding to New Mexico in next couple of years so I’m thrilled!

[urbanflight]

Their business model works. And the company is satisfied with that. 5 stars.

[armenstaubach]

Happy employees at a fast food… right there, they earned my respect

[janeprepper]

Midnight in Los Angeles, we pulled up to IN & OUT and the cars were around the block. ❤

[cyrilsoliman]

Hey that’s me in the thumbnail!!😅

Thanks guys for having me.

[CaptainRon]

It the best “ fast-food “ burger there is! The freshness of the ingredients is the key.

[Techridr]

Most people are happier with processed fries. Not me. Consider this: In-N-Out fries ingredients: Potatoes. - McDonald's fries ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola, corn, soybean, hydrogenated soybean), natural beef flavor (with hydrolyzed wheat and milk), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, salt, TBHQ, citric acid, and dimethylpolysiloxane.

[dabtheplanet]

My first in n out burger was in 1995 at the one on Mountain ave off the 60 fwy. I get a double double well done, regular onion, add chiles, no lettuce, no tomato and 2 fries no salt almost every day.
Peace love and gratitude forever

[pureum]

I choose In-N-Out over Shake Shack any day- Shake Shack they will rob you. In-n-out, you can afford it and be thankful. Also, In-n-out has much better service.