The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger

I really enjoyed getting the inside scoop of in-n-out. It was well written and easy to get into from the very beginning, I really enjoy reading books about restaurants, food, and wine and highly recommend this book.

I have just completed my read of Lynsi Snyder's "The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger" a rather eclectic history of the notable hamburger chain based in Southern California and founded by her grandparents. I call the work eclectic because it is true to its subtitle "The Inside Story of California's first Drive-Thru and how it became a Cultural Icon.''
Starting with her grandparents' vision and their backgrounds, the book takes the reader on a fast paced and highly eclectic ride through the history of the highly successful hamburger chain. Along the way, the author exams the kind of marketing nuts and bolts which are expected in this kind of a book while at the same time exploring the religious faith which has always been prominent in the founding family and has informed and shaped the development of the modern phenomena which is IN-N-OUT BURGER. Additionally, she explores IN-N-OUT BURGER and its prominence in Southern California's car culture. Put all this together with a loving and intimate portrait of her family which pulls no punches in exploring both their strengths and weaknesses and how they played out on the canvas of the culture of late Twentieth Century America and the book becomes a very personal exploration of both the woman and writer at the center of the story and her family and their corporate legacy. If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, relax, it is a very quick read if eclectic in its style and content. This is anything but a formal and stiff corporate history, and in that it is true to its roots.

I seriously devoured this like I would a double double. Love this company, loved learning more about it and now all I need is for them to come to the midwest!

Warning- the hardest part about reading this book is that you will desperately want to eat a “double double” and fries, right now!! So many delicious descriptions of the famous “In-N-Out Burger” menu- their food is all I could think about. (I unfortunately live 2300 miles away from California, where many of the restaurants are.)

The author, and current CEO of the family owned business is Lynsi Snyder. Her grandparents started the business and their first location opened on October 22, 1948. The author gives a good overview of how the company started, grew and succeeded for over 75 years now. The first store was about 100 square feet, with a drive-thru window. The owners focused on serving the best ingredients, in a fast and friendly way. Their “recipe” worked.

Although the business added more and more stores, there were some problems and growing pains. Author Snyder is honest about the personalities of her grandfather, her uncle and then father who followed as CEO’s. She also is very open about the personal challenges she has faced. While there was always a Christian focus, this commitment to their faith and notable charity work really blossomed under Ms. Snyder’s direction.

This book is more of a pleasant PR production, but it is fun to learn about all the “Ins & Outs of “In-N-Out Burger. And i liked the famous palm tree logo throughout the book. If you are fortunate enough to live near one, grab some burgers and fries before you start reading!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

An outstanding book focused mainly on the history of this famous family-owned company. Lyndsi doesn't shortchange us by excluding her own story. Rather she deftly weaves into the overall company history. Those looking for inside information about the menu items will find it here. Those looking for ways to lead companies in a better, more Christian way will also find plenty of help in these pages.

As a fan of In-n-Out Burger who lives way too far from any of its restaurants, I read this book with as much delight as I unwrap their burgers, dip their fries, and enjoy the shakes. Learning so much of the restaurant’s history, the ethos, the practices, and the standards in a family member’s voice was a pleasant experience. Of particular importance is learning what isn’t ever exposed to the customer - the why and how of INO’s differentiators. INO does things quite differently, including its (not-so-hidden) menu. The book delves into some of the secrets, such as the etymology of the “Animal Style” menu, amongst others that will provides dozens of visits worth of experimentation.

I haven’t felt being preached to at any of my visits to the restaurant and this book managed to tread the line well. The family (and author’s) deep faith journey is evident from the very beginning and increases through to the end. However, I read the faith components as guides to the INO leadership rather than evangelism to the audience. Their struggles in life and guidance through faith were important to know and understand. I (as a different faith follower) didn’t feel offended or put-off by it.

What the book does lack is a more emphatic editor’s touch. The story is narrated well but is confusing, repetitive, and wordy in specific areas. Perhaps the author wanted to carry the founders’ and family’s style of personal interaction with the customer into the book. I, personally, think that an editor’s macro view of the chronological history, an attention to balancing informality with formality of text, and a healthy addition of photographs and illustrations would greatly contribute to the reading experience.

A fun memoir and a must-read for any In-n-Out fan.

This was a wonderful book. I wasn't expecting much when I ordered it, but I was pleasantly surprised at how honest and forthright the author was. Eating at In-N-Out will never be the same. This is not your normal business book.

This was a really delicious read, I enjoyed getting to learn about a restaurant that I’ve passed all the time. Lynsi Snyder does a great job in keeping you reading and getting the inside story of the popular restaurant.

The introduction states: That’s what a hamburger’s all about! And I literally sang that tune in my head as I read it! I live in Southern California and In-N-Out IS 💯 more than just a burger joint around here…it’s where my teenage kids go after football games, it’s where I meet up with friends for lunch because I challenge you to find any other place a group of people can agree on! It’s also the only drive through I’ve ever sat in line for over 30 minutes because they are that good! ALWAYS quality food-service with a smile and clean!

After reading this book I understand why my above statement is felt so strongly by not only me but by so many.

Lynsi did an exceptional job explaining the ins and outs of this family run business and the faith behind her and several foundations supported by In-N-Out including her newest endeavor (you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is).

This book is heartfelt and well written. Lynsi’s family story is full of faith and honesty.

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger will be published on October 17, 2023. Nelson Books provided an early galley for review.

I spent a week for several summers around the turn of the century visiting my friends in San Diego, California, to go to Comic-Con. Inevitably, we would have at least one run to In-N-Out Burger (sometimes more). That is how I had my first taste of their fantastic food. I am a big fan of burgers and a fan of their burgers as well. So, I was eager to read this book to find out the story behind the business.

Lysni's passion and pride in her family's business gives this book a welcoming tone. You don't have to be a fan of the food to appreciate the story of dedicated work ethics and the desire to put out a quality product with a quality staff of associates. She is also very upfront about faith and how that contributed to the foundation upon which the successful business was built. Finally, she does not shy away from difficult topics and problems that the family encountered over the decades. That makes this a very fair representation of the facts.

I enjoyed hearing about the origins of the secret menu items as well as the connection a certain comedy classic film from 1963 that happens to be an all-time favorite of mine too. The insider's guide sections at the end were also very informative.

My main thought while reading this was how much I wanted an In-N-Out burger and pink lemonade. My mouth was watering the entire time. It's too bad I live 1000+ miles away from the closest location.

I love learning about how companies and businesses get started. Lynsi talks all about the history of In-N-Out, both the good time and bad times. She was so open about her faith in God it was so refreshing. I always wondered why they have Bible verses on their bags, cups... It was neat learning some of the reasoning they chose those specific verses.

I found the book to be repetitive at times. If someone went through and cut back on the repetitiveness it would make for a better reading experience.

I also wondered why there were no locations on the east coast. Learning that they will not franchise and the fact that everything is completely refresh answered my question. Learning that they are expanding to Tennessee give me hope that they will start opening stores on the east coast. If you live near and In-N-Out go eat a double double for me.

I am a fan of In0N-Out so I was pretty excited to receive an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in return for my review. I hate to say it because they have fantastic food, but the book disappointed. It read like a surface level advertisement or one of those employee training videos you watch when you get a new job. I did glean a few new fun facts about the company, but overall it was choppy, and I couldn't get past the advertisement feeling while I was reading it. There was also a lot more religion in the story than I expected. I think I might have enjoyed it more if it came from the company historian instead of the author who is so close to the story. If In-N-Out ever decides to sell this would be a fantastic presentation to a buyer or investor, but for the general public it fell a little flat.

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger by Lynsi Snyder is a super interesting story of the origins up to the current management of In-N-Out Burger. I'm a vegetarian, so In-N-Out isn't a go-to place for me (although, I have had the secret menu 'grilled cheese' a couple of times!), but I can appreciate the story and would highly recommend it. I learned a lot of background on the company, almost all of which I had no clue about. One thing is that In-N-Out is privately held and owned 100% by the founders' granddaughter. The book is full of fun tidbits, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my own reading experience.

I loved this book! It was very knowledgeable and I loved learning all about in and out and how it started. Thank you for writing this book, while also being the president. It was cool to see how successful this business has been.

"The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger" is a must-read for any fan of the popular West Coast fast food chain. Author Lynsi Snyder takes readers on an insider perspective journey through the history and evolution of In-N-Out Burger, from its humble beginnings in 1948 to its status as a beloved icon of American cuisine.

Snyder delves into the founding family's dedication to quality and customer service, as well as their commitment to maintaining a tight-knit, family-run business. The book also explores the chain's unique menu offerings and the secret behind its cult-like following.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Snyder’s exploration of In-N-Out Burger's business philosophy. The company has never franchised or taken on debt, instead choosing to focus on slow and steady growth. This approach has allowed In-N-Out Burger to maintain its reputation for quality and consistency while also remaining true to its roots.

Overall, "The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger" is a well-researched and engaging look at one of America's most beloved fast food chains. Snyder’s writing is informative and entertaining, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of American fast food.

If you are from sunny Southern California or have visited, you will have eaten at or seen an In-N-Out Burger. These burgers, fries, and shakes are prominently featured in the reel of my life! The first establishments were in the area of SoCal where I lived. My first date with my husband was at In-N-Out on Arrow Highway in Covina. (No longer one at that location).

It was fun and nostalgic to read about the early history because I was a satisfied customer. I still eat there about once a week. My grandchildren are now fans!

This book is part history and part family memoir with a generous side of faith sprinkled throughout. Observant guests know that Scripture references are stamped discretely beneath cups and on other items. Casual diners would never be aware. Another interesting fact is the story behind the crossed palm trees in the landscape of every location…..a tribute to the movie It’s A Mad,Mad World (the founder’s favorite movie). The most important thing to know about this SoCal iconic fast food restaurant is their commitment to quality, cleanliness, and friendly, efficient service. Their prices can’t be beat. Pay one a visit if you get a chance. There’s even a secret menu found online!

If you are familiar with In-N-Out you might enjoy this story of its founding. If you’re not, it might not hold the same appeal.

Thanks #NetGalley @NelsonBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheInsNOutsOfInNOutBurger upon my request. All opinions are my own.

I have never eaten at an In-Out-Out Burger restaurant and these days I rarely sample fast food however reading Lynsi Snyder's account of the history of In-Out-Out BurgerI would like to try their products.
the author who is the granddaughter of the founders provides a detailed and sometimes fascinating story of how In-Out-Out Burger grew from one store in Baldwin Hills, CA to 239 stores primarily in California and the Southwest. Today In-Out-Out Burger still operates by many of the exacting standards insisted upon by Snyder's grandfather. The consistency of the product, and the courtesy of the employees helped retain customers and propel In-Out-Out Burger to solid success.
In-Out-Out Burger is still family owned, a family that has seen a fair amount of turmoil and heartache over the decades of owning In-Out-Out Burger.
The end of the book is a detailed and occasionally redundant listing of the procedures and policies that may interesting to those who currently work in the restaurant business.
If you are a loyal fan of In-Out-Out Burger or you enjoy a well told story, this is a must read.

A really great read that anyone in the business or customer service world should read. I loved all the behind the scenes and secrets of In and Out. This author makes a great company even better. The family cares about its employees and customers. I loved this book.

I ate my first In-N-Out burger in Baldwin Park, California in the mid 1950's and have been a dedicated customer ever since. During the 70's and 80's I worked for a California burger chain that was a direct competitor of In-N-Out and we while our restaurants were very different, I was intensely aware of the In-N-Out business model and knew some of their managers. In this book Lynsi Snyder gives an exceptional behind the scenes look at the company, while paying tribute to her family who founded the chain and guided it through its first seven decades. It is a quick, fascinating read. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publisher for an advanced reader copy.

If you like reading about the birth and growth of a successful business, author Lynsi Snyder, the current president of In-N-Out, shares her company's entire history - which is tightly bound with her own family's personal history.

If you're fascinated by the ins and outs (see what I did there) of the work it takes to run one of the world's most beloved burger joints, you'll be gratified by the level of detail included.

If you struggle with your life and your faith, you may take hope and find a like mind in Lynsi's unflinchingly honest sharing of her own and her family's struggles to live good, healthy lives and stay in tune with God.

If you're looking for a fast paced, dramatic Hollywood-style story of a family's rise to fame... you'll probably not find it here. This book is extremely factual, meticulously chronicling the company, and the history of the people who created and grew In-N-Out into what it is today. There are those who appreciate this level of detail, and there are those who might find it dry. Only you know what you like, so choose accordingly. I grew up in Southern California, not far from where the first In-N-Out opened, so that brought a feeling of familiarity to my reading, which definitely enhanced the book for me.

Beyond being a book written for a general audience, a copy of this book should be given to every In-N-Out employee. A copy should, of course, be added to the company's historical records as well.

Now, I'll just take another sip of coffee from my In-N-Out mug and go back to wishing for the ability to order a double double in Michigan, where I now live. Maybe someday!

My thanks to author Lynsi Snyder, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

As someone who loves In-N-Out Burger but only can visit it when I visit my son in California (it's my first stop after landing), I thoroughly enjoyed learning more of the history of this company. It is so fascinating and I would highly recommend this book!

I do have to disclose that my family is a big fan of In-N-Out and I've never really fully got the appeal. I do get that In-N-Out is consistent. But when I want a burger I go to my local, independent burger place Nobby's with the cheese skirt and it is so much tastier than an in-and-out burger.

With all that disclosed I was curious, immensely curious to read Lynsi Snyder's book on In-N-Out. I of course learned quite a few things and appreciated what I think was her candid version of the challenge of getting to the 75th anniversary of In-N-Out. But in all truth sometimes just like Forever 21 the Christian prophesizing is a bit of a turn-off. I don't like when capitalism and Christianity bible verses are coupled together. A business being Christian is not a plus nor a deterrent but it just feels unwanted.

Lynsi Snyder's description of the In-N-Out lingo was fun to read and her family challenges. The nepotism and privilege were evident on the pages but I can appreciate the hard work that went into building the business another thing I appreciate is that they haven't gone public and they have kept it from being a franchise. They did build slow and smart and I feels like a good book on building a business plan and understanding all the challenges of taking on a business in the food arena.

I also enjoyed reading that children get a free hot chocolate on a rainy day. That I did not know. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lynsi Snyder's book The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger even though I am not a huge fan of In-N-Out I am still a customer of In-N-Out.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher Nelson Books for the opportunity to read The Ins=N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger by Lynsi Snyder.

Really enjoyed reading the origin and history of In-N-Out, particularly as my family are from So Cal and all love the restaurant. I already knew a fair amount about INO, but was pleasantly surprised to find I learned quite a bit more reading this. Repetitive at times, but that didn’t detract much from the reading experience.

Though I've never experienced In-N-Out Burger firsthand, its story, akin to Chick-fil-A's, unfolds as a privately held success, deepening my curiosity.

What captivates me is founder Harry Snyder's enduring influence on the company's culture, extending beyond burgers and fries—how it still remains today! In-N-Out becomes a living testament to how a founder's principles can shape culinary experiences.

Penned by Lynsi Snyder, the current president, and Harry’s only grandchild, the narrative unveils a painful family history, addressing child abuse, drug addiction, failed relationships, cancer, and death. In-N-Out Burger's admirable transparency, showcased through this narrative, is guided by Lynsi's faith, reflecting her fascinating journey. The book's sprinkle of fun facts about In-N-Out Burger adds to its overall enjoyable appeal.

Overall, I found this book quite enjoyable!!

As a person that never tried Ins-N-Out Burger my entire life (But I'm dying to) this book is such interesting knowledge for me. The author used an easy wording so its easier for me to understand the context and I feel like its that type of books that can help you in understanding about business more without actually stressing about the context because its so easy to digest.

Thank you to the author Lynsi Snyder, publishers Thomas Nelson, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance hardback copy of THE INS-N-OUTS OF THE IN-N-OUT BURGER. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.

Being a veteran of the restaurant industry, having experienced the family one can find between the quiet tables of a pre-opened dining room, reading this book written by a restaurant heiress with a deep love of the burgers that uplifted her family and so many others felt like coming home for me.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. It was really interesting to read about how, in In-N-Out's early years, the hamburger shop fit in with popular culture: Elvis and rock n' roll, poodle skirts and shared milkshakes... the author's grandparents satisfied a craving this whole country had no idea it had.

2. The author's father was abused in childhood, which is relevant to this family's story in more than one way. But I thought it was really brave that Lynsi tried to take on the deep metaphysical question of why children must suffer abuse. Being a devout Christian, her explanation predictably follows scripture. But these experiences of her father’s, and her beliefs about them, lead them as representatives of In-N-Out to support organizations that aid children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Such a surprising narrative.

3. I feel a great deal of respect for people who stick in and survive the addiction problems of people they love. The author stood by her father, and then her first husband, strived to see them past the demons. On the other side of all that, she found her faith.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. You don't hear often about companies that remain privately held. In-N-Out not only never traded publicly, it didn't even offer franchise options. Now home to 38,000 employees, In-N-Out has clearly been successful with a model that has been the downfall for so many other small businesses.

2. This company treats its employees very well. I don't know, I guess that's rare enough it deserves attention!

3. It's very cool that they do so much with racing.

4. Secret menu is pretty cool. Wish there was an In-N-Out in Ohio!

Rating: 🥤🍔🍟🍦 fast food meals
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Sep 27 23
Format: gifted hardback, digital, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
👻 narrative nonfiction
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl coming of age
🍴 restaurant business
📉 family business
🍔 In-N-Out Burger

I love reading books about how my favorite companies went from conception to what they are today. Before this book, "Becoming Trader Joe" was my go-to recommendation for a food-oriented business book. Great read!

Get ready to drool.

Interesting and informative, this book reads as a comprehensive dump of the company's history, from its humble beginnings to present day. We learn about the founding family, who retain sole ownership of In-N-Out today. Lynsi (author, granddaughter and CEO) is forthright in revealing painful family history, including triggering topics of child abuse, drug addiction, failed relationships, cancer, and death - showing a transparency I find admirable.

If you are fan of In-N-Out, this is required reading. Sprinkled between business best practices and family vignettes, we are shown what makes the food so fresh (spoiler: no preservatives, never frozen, never reheated), the food prep process, simple mottos, sources of inspiration, and secret menu origins.

I was surprised at how central the Christian faith is to In-N-Out's core values and the book by extension. How unobservant I am to have never noticed the scripture written on every single drink served!

The writing style is to the point, utilizing plain language, which reads a little dry and lacking the charisma that I'd expect from Lynsi in person. However, if longevity and growth are any indicators, In-N-Out’s got the winning recipe. I can't wait to go try the neapolitan shake: a secret menu item I never knew existed!

I recommend the physical format, as photos and visual anecdotes were missing from the electronic format. Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is out now - Happy 75th anniversary!!!

As a born and raised Californian who grew up eating In-N-Out Burger, I knew I had to pick up "The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger" written by the president (and granddaughter of the company's founder) Lynsi Snyder! There are many aspects of the In-N-Out culture that I am already familiar with, but I loved learning how the company was founded, built, and expanded to be what it currently is today.

Lynsi's writing also touches on the culture behind In-N-Out and what factors make the company such a phenomenon. In-N-Out's history is not without tragedy and Lynsi writes about these subjects with heart and feeling. She also names a few of the "not so secret secret menu" that I'm looking forward to trying the next time I am near an In-N-Out location.

This book isn't totally perfect. I think it could have really benefited from better editing. Obviously, Lynsi isn't a developed author so some passages felt like a high school essay. Lots of "More about this later" statements that could have been avoided from different structuring of the narrative.

I'd highly recommend picking this up when it publishes on October 17, 2023! Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for an eARC in exchange for my review.

Fun history of a favorite chain! Loved reading about the origins of In N Out Burger. As someone who's lived in California, the chain is a staple and is always a popular spot.

I was really excited to read this! I loved the little fun facts about In-N-Out and how it became to be where it is today. I will say, the author sounded like a third party reciting a story so I felt like it lacked connection or empathy. The kindle version is a MESS when it comes to formatting; sentences cutting off in the middle, footnotes in the middle of a paragraph, different fronts/sizes, etc. Hopefully it’s fixed before it’s published.

Summary:
Read the story of how the legendary business was started and grew to the level it currently is. Hear how and why certain traditions came to be. Read stories from former employees. Learn the good and bad of the key players of this business.

For most West Coast residents, In & Out is a staple- especially in California. You've just landed at the airport, where do you go to eat? Many choose In & Out. My husband always does. To many, nothing says home like eating a burger from their favorite fast food place- In & Out. So, to read how this little business became the legend it is was a story I couldn't pass up.

I loved learning how In & Out originally started. I loved reading how the founders put quality ahead of everything. They were willing to get up every morning to hit the farmers market for the freshest produce to serve their customers. I loved hearing how many decisions made then were made. Not to mention how they're still in effect today.

And while hearing the founding of this company was enjoyable, hearing the personal struggles along the way brought a dose of reality to the book. Key players became more human when you learned how imperfect they were and the struggles they battled on a daily basis. Each CEO brought their own unique methods that made a successful business even more so, they each also had their own demons to face. Lynsi doesn't shy away from revealing the dark side of addiction, abuse and depression. Each CEO blessed the company, but those blessings came with a cost.

Fans of the beloved burger joint will love reading the successes and achievements. I learned that one of my local In & Outs holds a "first" distinction. They will love the history and pride that was a building block within each restaurant. They will love learning how the arrow and crossed palm trees came to be. They'll love learning how the secret menus items were created. They'll get to read how one little drive thru became a legendary business globally known. One that still holds to the founding traditions today that it opened with on that first day.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own

I have always heard people talk about In-n-out burger and so I picked up this books on a whim just hoping to find the secret sauce. It is a biography/business memoir from the perspective of the granddaughter of the founders . The author talks about the faith of her grandparents, how it became popular and why their specialty is burgers. It's quite a story and for die hard fans a glimpse of why they love the brand.

What a great read! As a long time fan of In N Out, this book was fun and informative. This was a great look into the “Ins and Outs” of In N Out and would recommend to any fan!