Confessions off an In-N-Out Addict:
I LOVE In-N-Out. I always stop by on the way home from the airport and on the way to the airport (to fly back to Dallas) when I visit California.
As a california native who grew up eating these burgers (ca bias set aside) Ill try to explain this the best I can...
First off, the burgers are absolutely amazing. I always order the double meat, animal style. They raise their own cattle, their beef is never frozen, their ingredients are of high quality and fresh. It's simple and mouth watering.
It is by far the best burger Ive had from any fast food burger joint. Whataburger is good, but the primary reason their burgers are good is bcause you can have hundreds of combinations of whatever you like on them (jalepenos, bacon, etc). Whereas In-N-Out has only a few selections and choices.
The fries are terrible, however the shakes are pretty good. Also they have this strawberry lemonade or something that's pretty good too (forgot what it was)...
Secondly, for me, I have an emotional connection to In-N-Out. Everytime I have one, I think of all the great memories of hanging out on the beach eating these burgers, or chomping on one on a Friday night after the football game. I'm sure many people can relate.
Thirdly, psychology. it's scarce, being only available within a few states. If you know anything about marketing, sales or economics, you know how scarcity (supply) can drive demand and the desire for said item.
Gunslinger, imagine that you could only hear your favorite band once or twice a year, or even less, does the band sound better when you do get to hear them? Probabl so. Same applies with In-N-Out. It's not often I get to eat an IN-N-Out burger these days (before they opened), so when I do, they seem to taste that much better.
Oh, did I mention the burgers are amazing?
for most of you that try it, it'll just be another good burger. The reason is because there is so much hype built up that no matter how good the burger is, it'll never live up to your expectations. It's like a movie that's been overhyped that you've really been wanting to see, etc...
If you do go, I suggest getting the double double, animal style, with a vanilla shake. And, let me know what you think!