Not only is their food teh tasty, I am now impressed with their customer service.
I had KPC stop on the way home the other day for Double Doubles for us, cheeseburgers for the kids, and a couple orders of fries. (I wanted a shake too but their shake machine was broken.)
I went to take a bite-- and my burger was undercooked. Like, completely raw in the middle. So were the rest of them. (Her Royal Heinzness had already eaten half of it-- aaaaaaah!)
I went to their website, looking for an e-mail, figuring their customer service phone line would be closed.
As I was about to fill out the e-mail form, I saw their CS number up at the top, and that the hours are actually the same as their restaurants' hours of operation. Shock and wonder! Everyone should do this! I called right away, and the phone was immediately and courteously answered-- at 1 in the morning!
The woman was very apologetic. Said that this should NEVER happen, that she completely understood why I would be upset, especially as I'm pregnant and a 1- and 3-year-old were eating the burgers before I caught it, and that she was going to call the manager of the store I was at right away. She also asked if they could send me certificates for replacement burgers to compensate, even though I told her we nuked the burgers and ate them anyway.
In today's mail I got a letter from her apologizing again, and informing me that she had spoken to not only the manager of that store, but also the division manager for the area, about the problem. Enclosed are four "guest checks" for not just the burgers we had a problem with-- but offering "any burger, fries, and beverage on our menu." They really went the extra mile to apologize and make it up to us (though I could argue that all businesses should do this, the truth is most don't.)
I am very happy to have actually had a really nice customer service experience for a change.
I am especially really impressed to know that they keep their CS line open the same hours as their restaurants. Posted by JonHecht (Member # 9712) on :
I, as well, <3 In-N-Out. Unfortunately, I am now a vegetarian.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
That is impressive, kq. Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
In a world full of fast food joints, it makes good business sense to try and stand out from the crowd. I've never tried to get ahold of a McDonald's customer service line, but I somehow doubt it would be up to that standard.
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
Fast Food Nation, while generally down on fast food establishments in specific and as a whole, spoke glowingly of In N Out. Apparently in addition to having great customer service, they also treat their employees like actual human beings.
Kind've sorry I've never gotten a chance to eat there.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
They do treat their employees wonderfully! Not only do they pay full-time employees a living wage (they actually start even part-time HS students well above minimum), and offer training and promotion from within, with good raise and bonus structure, they even have partial tuition compensation programs to help employees get through college. I have a friend who supported herself, living independently, through college with no help from her parents and limited access to financial aid (her parents were rich but didn't want her to go to college-- long story) working at In-N-Out, almost unheard of at a fast-food joint. And she had only glowing things to say about the way they treated a co-worker who developed breast cancer while there.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Originally posted by JonHecht: I, as well, <3 In-N-Out. Unfortunately, I am now a vegetarian.
The kind of vegetarian who won't eat anything that has ever touched anything that's touched meat (like a griddle?) Or the kind that can still go and have a grilled cheese with a side of fries and a shake?
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Le sigh. Yet another reason I really, really, really miss living in California. Five Guys (the best local chain out here in D.C.) just isn't the same.
When I was in high school, everyone wanted to work at In-N-Out. They paid a minimum of $10 an hour (this was six years ago), and the employees were actually happy about going to work.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac: In a world full of fast food joints, it makes good business sense to try and stand out from the crowd. I've never tried to get ahold of a McDonald's customer service line, but I somehow doubt it would be up to that standard.
Actually, of all nationally franchised the fast-food restaurants out there, McDonalds is probably the only one that does this. The rest of them just say "Okay, thanks for calling." McDonalds is the only one that actually sends you coupons for a free meal.
I have to say I'd rather have an undercooked In-N-Out burger than an undercooked McDonalds burger.
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
They are building my towns first In-N-Out burger less then 10 minutes from my house!
*eeeeeee*
*happy dance*
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: Le sigh. Yet another reason I really, really, really miss living in California.
Same thing for me, except with Arizona. They built the first one in Tucson about three months before I left, and since I didn't have a car (and had never been there before), it was always a treat.
Stupid east coast.
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
I would have been wishing it was totally raw. I also would have requested it with a big hunk of fat, but that's me. Hee hee. There's a burger joint in Highland Park in Dallas, TX that will serve you basically a raw burger, but I don't live near there anymore.
That is some good customer service.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
The service at the local In-And-Out in Milpitas is wonderful. They always have a BIG smile for you and seem excited to be serving you. I know it's an act, but it really makes me want to go there. It's such a difference from the zombie expressions you get at other places.
Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
I used to work at In-N-Out. It's true that they treat employees well and they really care about customer service. There are no In-N-Outs here in northern Utah, but another burger place just opened up that copies their menu and the burgers, though not as good as real In-N-Out, are fairly decent facsimiles.
Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
In-n-Out's coverage area is limited by the range of their delivery trucks because they don't freeze their ingredients, right?
Upon returning to California last year I was bummed to learn that they no longer make burgers larger than a 4x4. Some new corporate policy. A 6x6 or 7x7 had long been a lunchtime stapte.
My record was a 13x13.
Posted by JonHecht (Member # 9712) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen:
quote:Originally posted by JonHecht: I, as well, <3 In-N-Out. Unfortunately, I am now a vegetarian.
The kind of vegetarian who won't eat anything that has ever touched anything that's touched meat (like a griddle?) Or the kind that can still go and have a grilled cheese with a side of fries and a shake?
As my vegetarianism is symbolic, the latter. Besides, their fries aren't cooked in lard. Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
quote:In-n-Out's coverage area is limited by the range of their delivery trucks because they don't freeze their ingredients, right?
It is a supply chain issue, though I don't know if it's just a freezing thing. You could always use a refrigerated truck that just kept the food at refrigerator temperatures. I think it has more to do with having preferred venders in the SoCal region and it being cost prohibitive to transport supplies from those venders beyond a certain distance.
There was also an element of keeping them all close enough that it was easy to for the corporate people to get around to all the stores to verify that quality and service standards were being maintained.
I hadn't heard about the 4x4 max. That's too bad. When I worked there some people would come in for their birthday and get a burger with as many patties as their age and share it with their friends.
Posted by Achilles (Member # 7741) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I went to take a bite-- and my burger was undercooked. Like, completely raw in the middle. So were the rest of them. (Her Royal Heinzness had already eaten half of it-- aaaaaaah!)
This happened to me as well.
And their fries are like styrofoam.
Looks like you've got a better one than in my neck of the woods. Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
Their fries always were a bit lacking.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
I agree with The Genuine.
My favorite California burger chain is Nation's. Top-notch burgers and fries, great shakes -- and -- the most excellent pie.
Posted by Achilles (Member # 7741) on :
Good pies... *drool*
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
In-N-Out's fries are best consumed with the burger, not as their own dish, IMHO. Unless you get it animal style, of course. When I'm craving good fries, I'd rather go to Burger King (I think their fries are also the worst for you, of all the national chains).
Posted by Achilles (Member # 7741) on :
It's the sugar.
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
Fat Burger makes my favorite fries, by far.
So long diet, hellO, In-N-Out
*sigh*
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: In-N-Out's fries are best consumed with the burger, not as their own dish, IMHO. Unless you get it animal style, of course. When I'm craving good fries, I'd rather go to Burger King (I think their fries are also the worst for you, of all the national chains).
Holy crap. Someone who actually likes Burger King fries? This...this is a momentous day.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I'll have to ask my bro. I believe he consumed a 10x10 last year.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac:
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: In-N-Out's fries are best consumed with the burger, not as their own dish, IMHO. Unless you get it animal style, of course. When I'm craving good fries, I'd rather go to Burger King (I think their fries are also the worst for you, of all the national chains).
Holy crap. Someone who actually likes Burger King fries? This...this is a momentous day.
It does depend from place to place. When I was living in Indiana I never found a Burger King with anything but subpar fries. McDonald's tended to have the best, there. However the Burger Kings in California, and at the one place I've visited in Virginia have really good fries.
Posted by EmpSquared (Member # 10890) on :
I used to live right next to one, and this was a year ago during a phase when I worked five nights a week. I would grab In N Out for us (with their late open times) at least 3 or 4 times a month.
Now, when I make my own burgers, I wonder why I ever ate it so much. It must be some magical combination of price and convenience and an "it's really, really good for what it is!" kind of mentality.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Originally posted by Primal Curve:
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac: In a world full of fast food joints, it makes good business sense to try and stand out from the crowd. I've never tried to get ahold of a McDonald's customer service line, but I somehow doubt it would be up to that standard.
Actually, of all nationally franchised the fast-food restaurants out there, McDonalds is probably the only one that does this. The rest of them just say "Okay, thanks for calling." McDonalds is the only one that actually sends you coupons for a free meal.
I have to say I'd rather have an undercooked In-N-Out burger than an undercooked McDonalds burger.
We've never been comped meals when McDonald's messes up. Jack-in-the-Box has been known to send coupons, but they're sometimes rude or you have to wait on hold for hours. And neither of them, to my knowledge, has CS lines open more than standard operating hours.
But totally agreed on the burger-- had they been from anywhere else they probably would have got tossed, not nuked and eaten. Posted by adfectio (Member # 11070) on :
Of all the fast food chains in central Ohio, I prefer BK's fries by FAR. The other ones are kinda iffy. Wendys fries I have never liked. They're just to mushy for me. McD's fries are ok if they're busy. Because then they're fresh and haven't been sitting in a bin for 20 minutes. I know they say it doesn't happen, but I worked there for a year, and I promise, it does.
There has only been once that I've ever had a bad batch of BK fries, and that particular store in general is not the greatest.
That having been said, I want to go to Cali just for In-N-Out. I have wanted to for several years now.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I love In-N-Out fries! They actually taste like potatoes-- not styrofoam! BKs are okay, I like Carl's Jr.'s pretty well, CANNOT STAND McDonald's. They do something evil to them-- they smell delicious but taste like paste. Eeeew.
Oh, and I saw a guy eat a 6X6 last year. So I don't know about the 4X4 limit, it may be a one-area thing?
The reason I've seen cited for In-N-Out being so regional is that they DON'T franchise. They are all family-owned and insist on keeping it that way for quality control purposes.
Posted by cassv746 (Member # 11173) on :
Yes In-N-Out seems like an amazing place to eat! Maybe in a couple years when college isn't draining every penny from me I'll be able to get out that way to try some!
For now though I'll settle for BK'S Fries and food. They aren't bad as long as you go to the "good" locations.
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
I ate at an In-N-Out for the first (and second) times ever when I was in California last May. The burgers were good, but I was unimpressed with the fries. I was disappointed, too, because when I saw them cutting the potatoes fresh, I was excited and looking forward to some good fries. I guess living in Idaho all those years spoiled me for potatoes.
I refuse to eat at any of the Burger Kings or the one Wendys here on Maui. I kind of liked BK's onion rings back in the day, but I never noticed anything special about their fries. My girls prefer curly fries, which around here means Jack in the Box. But they keep discontinuing the burgers and things that I like (teryaki bowl, panido, original ciabatta burger, chili cheese fries...)
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Getting frites at frite stands in Belgium and France pretty much spoiled me for french fries in America.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
There's a place here in Tujunga that has the best onion rings in the world. Great fries and burgers, too, but the onion rings are what you go for. I can't eat onion rings anywhere else any more!
Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
Some other interesting stuff in the rest of the article too.
Posted by Achilles (Member # 7741) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I love In-N-Out fries! They actually taste like potatoes-- not styrofoam! BKs are okay, I like Carl's Jr.'s pretty well, CANNOT STAND McDonald's. They do something evil to them-- they smell delicious but taste like paste. Eeeew.
Oh, and I saw a guy eat a 6X6 last year. So I don't know about the 4X4 limit, it may be a one-area thing?
The reason I've seen cited for In-N-Out being so regional is that they DON'T franchise. They are all family-owned and insist on keeping it that way for quality control purposes.
Well don't come to our local version then. 'Cause they're tastless and foamy. I'm sure there are better In-N-Out's. Just not here.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Hmmm.
Is it a sign of growing up in CA that I knew what almost everything they listed was, and have ordered much of it?
I love me some fries animal style. If I don't get those I usually order my fries "light." I like 'em soggier. I've ordered Neopolitan shakes and a chocolate-strawberry swirl. Biggest burger I've eaten is a 3X3, though, and I always get my burger with pickles, grilled onions, no tomato. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Achilles: have you called and told them that? I bet they'd come out and inspect if they found out. We actually had an In-N-Out not too far away close for a while once while they hired new manager and staff because they had so many quality complaints, did an undercover inspection of the food and service, and decided they weren't up to par. When they re-opened the food was up to standard and the service was great!
Posted by BandoCommando (Member # 7746) on :
I actually like Burger King fries, too. But only for a rare junk food 'treat'.
My favorite fries at a fast food place are the ones at The Steak Escape. Fresh cut, fresh fried in peanut oil, hot, crispy, goodness! Potato skins still attached even, which I happen to like.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I went to one of these a few weeks ago with my pals Donnie, Walter, and The Dude.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Originally posted by adfectio: Of all the fast food chains in central Ohio, I prefer BK's fries by FAR. The other ones are kinda iffy. Wendys fries I have never liked. They're just to mushy for me. McD's fries are ok if they're busy. Because then they're fresh and haven't been sitting in a bin for 20 minutes. I know they say it doesn't happen, but I worked there for a year, and I promise, it does.
You had crap management. When I worked there, we had a 10 minute timer built into the holding area, and tossed fries out if they were old.
Posted by EmpSquared (Member # 10890) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac:
quote:Originally posted by adfectio: Of all the fast food chains in central Ohio, I prefer BK's fries by FAR. The other ones are kinda iffy. Wendys fries I have never liked. They're just to mushy for me. McD's fries are ok if they're busy. Because then they're fresh and haven't been sitting in a bin for 20 minutes. I know they say it doesn't happen, but I worked there for a year, and I promise, it does.
You had crap management. When I worked there, we had a 10 minute timer built into the holding area, and tossed fries out if they were old.
I must have had crap management too, because the same thing happened at the McDonald's I worked at.
We had the same timer too, but the fries actually being tossed out were a different story.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I would say that management that consistently tells you to ignore franchise policy is pretty much crap management by definition.
Posted by Achilles (Member # 7741) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: Achilles: have you called and told them that? I bet they'd come out and inspect if they found out. We actually had an In-N-Out not too far away close for a while once while they hired new manager and staff because they had so many quality complaints, did an undercover inspection of the food and service, and decided they weren't up to par. When they re-opened the food was up to standard and the service was great!
Oh, it was many years ago. I just don't go back.
I'm sure that they have great customer service now, and their crew is different as well, but I usually don't give restaurants a second chance.
We have another local grill here called "Big D Burgers" that I had a bad experience with even longer ago. I know that they've remodeled and even changed owners, but I can't quite get over it.
Edit to add: So my hyperbole is probably off base even when it comes to our local branch. Sorry, it's just a grudge. Please, everyone, go ahead and try it out.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
For good local burgers, I eat at Kopps here in Milwaukee. Huge burgers, awesome custard and the greatest Onion Rings ever created by man.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Kopps! We stopped there once when I was eight or nine, and I still have good memories of their burgers.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
The In-N-Out in Vegas will make you a lo-carb burger that has a wrapper of lettuce instead of a bun. Not that I would ever try it. But last time I was there, it looked like about 1 in 3 burgers went out that way.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
All In-N-Outs will. It's called "protein style."
Posted by Pegasus (Member # 10464) on :
This place sounds really good. If I ever make it out to the west coast I'll have to try it.
I find myself really liking most BK food, esp. the fries, and detesting Mcd's.
Posted by adfectio (Member # 11070) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac: You had crap management. When I worked there, we had a 10 minute timer built into the holding area, and tossed fries out if they were old.
Oh agreed. The time was actually set for 7 minutes, I think. Or it might have been ten. I don't remember specifically, but I know it was common practice to 'forget' to set the timer, or to reset it once it had gone off.
Of course, the managers gave hell to anyone they caught doing it, but it was for show. Because anytime a manager walked by and the timer was going off they would do the same thing.
It may just be that a few particular stores are that way, but if I had to make a guess, I'd say that the small minority did everything the way they were supposed to.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
I have a love-hate relationship with In & Out burger. I love their food as well as their speed and quality of service.
I hate that I can't have it that often, and they're building a brand new one right across from where I work in Sac, CA where I'll smell it ALL DAY LONG. It's going to make me fat...
Self control is my friend.... *wince*
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
quote:Originally posted by The Pixiest: The service at the local In-And-Out in Milpitas is wonderful. They always have a BIG smile for you and seem excited to be serving you. I know it's an act, but it really makes me want to go there.
It's less of an act than you think. The reason the company can manage such a cheerful attitude on the part of their employees is that the employees of In N' Out are — as an exception to the fast food business rule — treated well, as opposed to being handled like shambling, easily-cycled automatrons.
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
I opened this thread again at 12:14 am last night while chatting with my roommate who had just returned from a date. I was already in my pajamas and we both had to get up early but snarked out to In-N-Out anyway.
I just couldn't resist! The young man working the window was SO nice and pleasant that I had to lean across my friend's lap and tell him how much I appreciated his service and good attitude. It was 12:30, a half hour till they closed, and he was downright delightful.
Downside, is I've realized I hate their shakes. But the burger was fab.
Ketchupqueen- what is the place in Tujunga with the great onion rings?
Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
Hate their shakes? I always thought they were okay.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yeah, their shakes aren't as good as, say, Steak and Shake, but they're quite decent. At least they don't taste completely nasty and fake (like Sonic's.)
The place in Tujunga with the wonderful onion rings is Troy Burger. To warn you, they will put five pounds on you in one sitting, and one order will serve 3 or 4 people-- more if you're light eaters or just having a snack.
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: Yeah, their shakes aren't as good as, say, Steak and Shake, but they're quite decent. At least they don't taste completely nasty and fake (like Sonic's.)
Oh, nasty and fake is exactly how they taste to me. I am a huge ice cream snob though. I would rather eat no ice cream than mediocre ice cream. The best shakes in Los Angeles, IMO, are at the Cafe 50's in WestLA on Santa Monica blvd. Fatburger shakes are good, too. I hate pre-concocted crap. REAL ice cream, real milk, mix-ins if you must, and then blend. If it comes out of a nozzle chances are I'll hate it.
My little brother loves them, so I can appreciate that tastes vary.
I will definitely have to check out those onion rings next time I am in the valley.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
What are your feelings on custard?
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:I will definitely have to check out those onion rings next time I am in the valley.
You won't regret it-- just don't let them sit too long in the bag. They cook them fresh and they are VERY hot, and they serve them to you in a brown paper bag. I've found that if you pour them out and eat them right away they are great, if you don't they still taste great but so much steam builds up in the bag it can cause the breading to separate, while it's still tasty they get a little soggy and the breading falls off.
Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
Which In-N-Out was this, ketchupqueen? I usually went to the one by the Media Center near the AMC in Burbank, and they were always so nice, and I loved their food, and it was often the only place I could afford, particularly if I had just seen a movie. This thread is making me so nostalgic for an In-N-Out, though my roommate doesn't understand the appeal (even after I insisted on reading him the entire wiki-page).
On the subject of ignoring what the franchise says to do, my roommate and I work two Subways owned by the same franchisee. Our last owner directed us to ignore some of the franchise rules, and because he was a good owner and he really cared about his employees and his company, usually the changes were minor for the customer or lead to their having better experiences. Now that we have a new owner (and new locations), we're seeing a great deal of the aspects of Subway franchise law that we were protected from and most of it is hugely inferior to what we're accustomed to providing our customers-- the rules tend to lead to a store less-clean, less quick, less able to provide whatever the customer wants, and less courteous. Moreover our new owner is less-inclined to pay a living wage, and makes us pay for all our food. How I wish our old owner had never sold out! It was only after he sold that we found out that we were part of the top-rated Subway franchise in this state.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
The one that undercooked my meat? It was the Tujunga In-N-Out. I've never gotten a bad burger from them during the day, I'm thinking fatigue was probably a factor since the burgers were purchased at 12:43 am.
Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
I think I was there only once. =D I used to live two blocks from the Burbank airport, though. =D
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Originally posted by Samprimary:
quote:Originally posted by The Pixiest: The service at the local In-And-Out in Milpitas is wonderful. They always have a BIG smile for you and seem excited to be serving you. I know it's an act, but it really makes me want to go there.
It's less of an act than you think. The reason the company can manage such a cheerful attitude on the part of their employees is that the employees of In N' Out are — as an exception to the fast food business rule — treated well, as opposed to being handled like shambling, easily-cycled automatrons.
This only really works if you buy the idea that well-treated employees are more cheerful, which I've never found to be the case.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Originally posted by dean: I think I was there only once. =D I used to live two blocks from the Burbank airport, though. =D
...I'm sorry? Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
quote:his only really works if you buy the idea that well-treated employees are more cheerful, which I've never found to be the case.
That's certainly been the case in my own life, and in the lives of my friends. We've always been more cheerful at jobs where we were treated well. Being treated with respect and compassion by an employer makes a world of difference.
Everyone has bad days, but the odds of bad work days occurring decreases when your employer wants you to benefit from working with them.
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
I'd venture a guess that the way In-N-Out treats their employees probably makes a big difference. The reason I think this is because most of the time, fast food jobs are at the bottom end of the spectrum of job satisfaction. So if employees are treated *really well* in a fast food job, there is going to be a huge contrast between the way they are treated and the way they might *expect* to be treated in that industry. (Especially if they have worked in other fast food jobs before.) I can see this having an effect on their mood. Good line-level management is a HUGE factor here - it doesn't matter how great your pay and training and benefits are if your immediate boss is a jerk.
The difference between companies that treat their employees moderately well and those that treat them poorly is going to have a smaller impact on employee mood. Same with the difference between moderately well and extremely well.
Employee tenure is also a big factor. People that are in the same job for the same company for a long time tend to drift toward a critical/negative attitude toward the company over time, in my experience. Expectations adjust based on past treatment; good treatment leads to higher expectations. Tenured employees at a great company probably aren't feeling more cheerful on a daily bases than tenured employees at an OK company. I suspect average tenure at In-N-Out is longer than at Taco Bell, but perhaps not drastically so. At any rate, if the company puts an emphasis on having happy employees and addresses failures to meet the standard, the negative ones aren't going to stick around for as long as the ones who really like it there.
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
quote:This only really works if you buy the idea that well-treated employees are more cheerful, which I've never found to be the case.
It works if, to the employee, the job's not worth losing over not acting nice to customers.
Posted by tern (Member # 7429) on :
I can taste my double-double, animal style right now. I love their chocolate shakes, their fries, mmmmm...
Too bad I live in Houston now. I used to think that those In-n-Out commericals were stupid, but now I'm ready to get a number one fedexed to me. Except for the fact that you have to eat their fries first, and while they are hot.
Actually, I miss a lot of Cali places - Yaki Burger in Burbank, The Habit, Pollo Loco - much much better than Popeyes or KFC, Sharkey's, Original Original Tommy's on Rampart, Poquito Mas, etc. H-Town has great barbeque, but little else except soulless big-box restaurants.
Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
quote:Originally posted by tern: Actually, I miss a lot of Cali places - Yaki Burger in Burbank, The Habit, Pollo Loco - much much better than Popeyes or KFC, Sharkey's, Original Original Tommy's on Rampart, Poquito Mas, etc. H-Town has great barbeque, but little else except soulless big-box restaurants.
Slow down there, cowpoke! I don't think you should dismiss Pops and KFC so summarily.
Roy Rogers is still, of course, the king. I think there's still one left on the Parkway or Thruway somewhere.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
El Pollo Loco isn't fried chicken, though. Different animals. (Well, not ANIMALS, but styles of cooking them. )
Posted by The Genuine (Member # 11446) on :
Right, because chickens are persons, and I appreciate that you appreciate the distinction.
Still, everything's better fried.
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I love In-N-Out. A friend of mine and I are in there so often that we're now on a first-name basis with most of the employees.
Fact: There is more calories in one large shake than there is in a double double.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, you are so being psychic, Da_Goat-- I was just thinking of this thread! I can't believe you bumped it tonight!
(I was thinking of it because the baby demanded I have Tommy's chili cheese fries tonight. How does this make sense; she gives me heartburn and then demands chili cheese fries? I ate them-- with Zantac and milk!)
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, and
quote:everything's better fried.
I have to disagree. El Pollo Loco is sooo wonderful. Mmmmmm. So much tastier than fried chicken-- even tastier than home-made fried chicken, to me.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
HEY! *waves wildly in DaG's direction* Look who came for a visit! Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by tern: [QB] Original Original Tommy's on Rampart, [QB]
Heh. I was there one time, years ago, at...well, after midnight...and there was still a line clear around the building. Never saw anything quite like it.
**********
As far as fries go, my favorite fries come from Hot Dog On A Stick. Extra added attraction, besides the fries: they serve authentic fresh-squeezed lemonade, which they make from authentic Oxnard/Saticoy lemons.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I like Hot Dog On A Stick lemonade, but I DON'T like their fries much; maybe it's just the location I've been to. And their lemonade, while yummy, is expensive enough I don't buy it much even if I really really want it. And their corn dogs are disgusting.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
quote:Originally posted by Da_Goat: I love In-N-Out. A friend of mine and I are in there so often that we're now on a first-name basis with most of the employees.
Fact: There is more calories in one large shake than there is in a double double.
What up, Goat?
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I like Hot Dog On A Stick lemonade, but I DON'T like their fries much; maybe it's just the location I've been to. And their lemonade, while yummy, is expensive enough I don't buy it much even if I really really want it. And their corn dogs are disgusting.
Hot Dog On A Stick lemonade is totally worth the price. And their corn dogs are delicious. Now the fries, I'll admit, are nothing to write home about. Just your average, everyday fries.
Really, when it comes to fries, I think the biggest factor is how old they are. Fresh off the fryer fries >> a few minutes old fries >> more than 10 minutes old fries. In-N-Out fry goodness probably comes just as much from their high turnover (every In-N-Out I've ever been to was hopping) as from their fresh potatoes.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I didn't say it's not worth the price-- just that I can't afford it often.
I still think their corndogs are disgusting, but that's probably more a reflection of my feelings on hot dogs in general. (The only ones I've found that are worth eating, to me, are Hebrew National 99% fat free.)
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I like Hot Dog On A Stick lemonade, but I DON'T like their fries much; maybe it's just the location I've been to. And their lemonade, while yummy, is expensive enough I don't buy it much even if I really really want it. And their corn dogs are disgusting.
Yeah. The lemonade is kind of expensive, which is why even though they have a location about a mile/mile and a half down the road from me, I'm not there every day. Which is probably a good thing, because objectively speaking, I don't need lemonade every day.
But, I'm spoiled...when I was a little kid we had a lemon tree in our front yard (in Simi Valley) that bore lemons all year round, so I had fresh-squeezed lemonade whenever I wanted it. Consequently, I won't drink fake lemonade unless the craving is really serious and I have no access to the real thing.
Darn. Now, I'll probably have to get to the mall sometime today and get some lemonade, now that I've been thinking about it.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
My dad has a dwarf Meyer lemon tree in his yard that bears pretty much year-round. We have home-grown Meyers whenever we want them. Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Well, my dad ( )has a lemon bush and an orange bush in the front yard. Most delicious oranges I've ever had, and the lemons aren't bad either. The darn things sprout so many fruit that we've had to put up "help yourself" signs for passerbyers to make sure they don't go to waste.
Edit: 'course I'm on the other side of the country now, so... *sniff* I don't oranges or In-N-Out or Hot Dog On a Stick.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
My dad has a dwarf Setsuma, too. And he lives a 3-minute drive from us. Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
Why is there nothing good to eat in the whole state of Alabama, but there's everything yummy to eat back home in California? When I lived in California, we had a persimmon tree. Now, I'm lucky if I can find one bruised, overripe persimmon every two years....
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
I also would have requested it with a big hunk of fat, but that's me. Hee hee. There's a burger joint in Highland Park in Dallas, TX that will serve you basically a raw burger, but I don't live near there anymore.![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
It's going to make me fat...![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)