Book Review | The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of California's First Drive-Through and How It Became a Beloved Cultural Icon by Lynsi Snyder

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of California's First Drive-Through and How It Became a Beloved Cultural Icon by Lynsi Snyder

I doubt this is said often, but reading this book will make your mouth water! The reason being is that the focus on quality and attention to detail that goes into making a burger at In-N-Out Burger is quite extraordinary. Hearing about the strict cooking processes, unwavering commitment to only the freshest ingredients and respect to the company’s legacy is quite remarkable. There are no menu changes, no chicken (just beef), no gimmick toys, no rapid expansion (in fact they don’t even use freezers). Rather, just a company that does one thing and does it very well. In summary, In-N-Out Burger epitomises the famous Charlie Munger quote…“Take a simple idea and take it seriously.”

In her 40s, Lysni Snyder has been the long-term CEO of In-N-Out Burger, a company her Grandparents started in 1948 as a single drive through location in Baldwin Park, California. This book is her story, and the recollections from previous employees and family members about this business that has now expanded to ~400 locations across only a few states in the USA. It is still a family-owned business which she admits could grow faster and run more profitably if it were owned by others who place less of an emphasis on quality. There is a lot to be said for a business that is so focused on doing the right thing by its customers, a value that is so engrained within the company that has seen it stand the test of time in a very crowded fast-food marketplace whilst also facing their fair share of adversity (and tragedy) along the way.

If studying the business models and corporate cultures of some of the worlds best companies is something you enjoy then this book is worth a read.

‍Link to Book

View more NAOS podcasts and book reviews