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eBook editions

In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules

by Stacy Perman

In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules Cover

ISBN13: 9780061346712
ISBN10: 0061346713
Condition: Standard
Dustjacket: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

The untold story of the renegade burger chain that evokes a passionate following unlike any other.

In fast-food corporate America, In-N-Out Burger stands apart. Begun in a tiny shack in the shadow of World War II, this family-owned chain has steadfastly refused to franchise or be sold. It is a testament to old-fashioned values and reminiscent of a simpler time when people, loyalty, and a freshly made, juicy hamburger meant something. Over time, In-N-Out Burger has become nothing less than a cultural institution that can lay claim to an insanely loyal following.

Perman uses her investigative skills to uncover the story of a real American success story. It is not only a tale of a unique and profitable business that exceeds all expectations, but of a family's struggle to maintain a sustainable pop empire against the industry it helped pioneer, internal tensions, and a bitter lawsuit that threatened to bring the company to the brink.

This is a lesson in a counterintuitive approach to doing business that places quality, customers, and employees over the riches promised by rapid expansion. 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 who cooked a billion burgers and hooked a zillion 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.

Review:

"Perman (Spies, Inc.) casts an affectionate and admiring eye at In-N-Out Burger, the family-owned, Southern California chain that has become a 'cultural institution' without franchising, going public, changing its menu or precooking its burgers. This book traces the history of the company and the Snyders, the family that founded and still owns In-N-Out, interspersed with the evolution of the fast-food industry. Perman never makes good on her promise to go 'behind-the-counter' and analyze the company's dealings — her access to executives and family members did not extend to gleaning financial or strategic information — consequently it's never clear whether In-N-Out's conservatism is a conscious business strategy, a personal preference of the owners or plain complacency. More a glowing fan letter from an appreciative customer than expose, this book has more to say about the company's celebrity fans, American family dynamics and our collective love affair with fast food." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"Interest in this sometimes plodding text will be proportionate to the reader's affinity for the brand. Recommended..." Library Journal

Review:

"Stacy Perman's illuminating new book, In-N-Out Burger, is an absorbing case study of how a family business came to be at the center of its own cheerful cult.... [This] should be required reading for family business owners, alongside Rich Cohen's Sweet and Low and Thomas Mann's Buddenbrooks." Fortune Small Business

Review:

"This book grills up an enjoyable read for both avid foodies and novice diners alike! Perman's sneak peek into the fascinating history of In-N-Out is as good as the delicious burgers themselves, and that's saying a lot!" Mario Batali, chef and author of Molto Italiano

Review:

"Thanks to Stacy Perman's book, the term 'soulful fast food' is no longer an oxymoron. Her recounting of the In-N-Out story is one of passion,good intentions, remarkable success and treachery that transcends the burger world to become a tale that is vivid Americana." Jane and Michael Stern, Roadfood.com

Synopsis:

Perman investigates the inside story of the renegade, family-owned burger chain that evokes a passionate following unlike any other. 8-page photo insert.

About the Author

Stacy Perman is a writer with BusinessWeek. A former correspondent for Time, she has also written for Los Angelesmagazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She is the author of Spies, Inc.: Business Innovation from Israel's Masters of Espionage. Born in Los Angeles, she currently lives in New York.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:

Marcus, April 28, 2009 (view all comments by Marcus)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has great insight into the Snyder family and the beginnings of In-N-Out. It also includes some simple but outstanding business principles that can be learned from the way Harry and Rich did business. The story has plenty of drama, too. Whether or not you are a fan of their hamburgers, I recommend this book has a great read on family-owned businesses and the story of an entire era of americana.
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(4 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)

Product Details

ISBN:
9780061346712
Author:
Perman, Stacy
Publisher:
HarperBusiness
Author:
Lowell, Elizabeth
Subject:
General
Subject:
Business
Subject:
History
Subject:
Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism
Subject:
Fast food restaurants -- United States.
Subject:
In-N-Out Burger (Firm) - History
Subject:
General Business & Economics
Subject:
Suspense
Subject:
Business Writing
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Hardcover
Publication Date:
20090431
Binding:
HARDCOVER
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
352
Dimensions:
10 x 10 in 15.68 oz

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Related Aisles

In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules Used Hardcover
0 stars - 0 reviews
$17.50 In Stock
Product details 352 pages HarperBusiness - English 9780061346712 Reviews:
"Publishers Weekly Review" by , "Perman (Spies, Inc.) casts an affectionate and admiring eye at In-N-Out Burger, the family-owned, Southern California chain that has become a 'cultural institution' without franchising, going public, changing its menu or precooking its burgers. This book traces the history of the company and the Snyders, the family that founded and still owns In-N-Out, interspersed with the evolution of the fast-food industry. Perman never makes good on her promise to go 'behind-the-counter' and analyze the company's dealings — her access to executives and family members did not extend to gleaning financial or strategic information — consequently it's never clear whether In-N-Out's conservatism is a conscious business strategy, a personal preference of the owners or plain complacency. More a glowing fan letter from an appreciative customer than expose, this book has more to say about the company's celebrity fans, American family dynamics and our collective love affair with fast food." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
"Review" by , "Interest in this sometimes plodding text will be proportionate to the reader's affinity for the brand. Recommended..."
"Review" by , "Stacy Perman's illuminating new book, In-N-Out Burger, is an absorbing case study of how a family business came to be at the center of its own cheerful cult.... [This] should be required reading for family business owners, alongside Rich Cohen's Sweet and Low and Thomas Mann's Buddenbrooks."
"Review" by , "This book grills up an enjoyable read for both avid foodies and novice diners alike! Perman's sneak peek into the fascinating history of In-N-Out is as good as the delicious burgers themselves, and that's saying a lot!"
"Review" by , "Thanks to Stacy Perman's book, the term 'soulful fast food' is no longer an oxymoron. Her recounting of the In-N-Out story is one of passion,good intentions, remarkable success and treachery that transcends the burger world to become a tale that is vivid Americana."
"Synopsis" by , Perman investigates the inside story of the renegade, family-owned burger chain that evokes a passionate following unlike any other. 8-page photo insert.
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