Author(s): Stacy Perman

Business

In fast-food corporate America, In-N-Out Burger stands apart. It is a family-owned chain that steadfastly refuses to franchise or be sold and is an incongruous testament to old-fashioned values, reminiscent of a simpler time when people, loyalty, and a freshly made, juicy hamburger meant something. It has become nothing less than a cultural institution that can lay claim to an insanely loyal following. This is the story of a unique and profitable business that exceeds all expectations. It is a lesson in a counterintuitive approach to doing business that places quality, the customer, and employees first. "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 that cooked a billion burgers and hooked zillions of 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.