home recipe index ingredient index contact

Friday, August 14, 2009

Conflicted In-N-Out


I am struggling to interpret where my loyalties lie. I feel so conflicted and confused and I need some help sorting out my values.

Rumor has it that there will be an In-N-Out in Orem, UT. Yes, Utah. Does that seem like a problem for anyone else?

Where are they going to put the palm trees? They don't grow here in the Frozen North and what is In-N-Out without palm trees? Not In-N-Out.

What about the quality. Will it be compromised with it's distance from Baldwin Park?

What about my penchant for breaking the sabbath for late night In-N-Out? They probably won't even be open on Sundays.

My main concern is how it will become a fad. All the sudden it will be cool to wait in line for 2 hours for one of the first In-N-Out burgers. That isn't cool people, it's stupid.

I feel like I would be cheating on my beloved California if I patronized the In-N-Out in Orem. I was raised in Utah, but I was born in California and I spent the last 6 years there. I have loyalties. It just doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem respectful. As you can see, I still haven't come to terms with the fact that I have lived in Utah for almost a year. A year. A year. A year. (sigh) I am still holding onto my California residency for dear life.

So what are your thoughts? Am I being an idiot? Is there some validity to my conundrum?

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have an In-N-Out about 2 minutes from me (I live in California). Also two of my sons work there but not family discounts. What can I say . . I luv In-N-Out

Cupcake Activist said...

I think you pretty much said it all. I am protective of the special things that make California what it is. Sorry to say, but putting an In-N-Out in Utah would probably ruin the image. Of course I will still enjoy my burger, but it won't be as special.

Carina said...

Were you OK when they opened the In-N-Out in St. George?

Anonymous said...

i'm mostly mad that it's going in the b&n parking lot, and that it will likely make it difficult for me to get to my beloved shoga.

i'm not a huge in-n-out fan. probably because every time we're in LA i'm on some sort of restrictive diet (no carbs, no meat, you get the picture).

i'm mostly concerned that my husband will gain like a bazillion pounds, because he loves LOVES double-doubles. but, i thought he was going to gain a million pounds when they put in the el pollo loco, and we've only been like 3 times.

Kalli said...

I haven't heard anything about one being in Orem, I know there's one going in Draper (was in the paper) and have heard rumors of one going in American Fork (again in the paper).

[Morgan] said...

ryan i think they are bringing them to utah ('cause they're building 3 of 'em) partially to put chadders out of business. which i think will be done easily. my california native husband is worried about it losing its quality and i'm worried about it becoming the next kripsy kreme...
but on the other hand, i REALLY like in and out burgers and fries, so part of me is excited.
mixed feelings i guess i should say.

Barbara Bakes said...

They are also building an In-N-Out in WVC, so although in Happy Valley buying a burger on Sunday would be frowned upon, it won't be a big deal in WVC. So I would just say you are going for a Sunday drive and no one has to be the wiser!

Anonymous said...

Standing in line 2 hours? Stupid. Rubios coming here was one very welcome thing, but In-n-Out coming to Northern Utah? Oh heavens, it couldn't happen sooner. (says this life long Californian who has lived here three years and really, really misses her in-n-out)

Jessica said...

it does seem kind of strange. st. george was even pushing it for me, but orem is just weird. then again, i live in CA and can have it anytime i want. but, when i travel to utah, i don't stop at the one in st. george (or even vegas). too weird.

Sarah said...

Well, like Azucar said, there already is one is St. George. And rumors are that there is one being built in American Fork as well. I think it is inevitable.
I think the best thing about In N Out is not the palm trees but the good quality cheap food! Utahans never tire of a good deal :)

A said...

I feel your pain. I lived in cool CA for three years, and I cried when I had to turn in my CA plates and get a UT driver's license--AGAIN. Granted, I grew up in the beehive state, and while I appreciate many of its qualities, I do believe I'm a CA girl at heart. With that said, I only eat In-N-Out while in CA. It just tastes better there. I'm a current resident of St. G., and I'll admit to having gone to In-N-out once because a friend convinced me. In fact, he said that's the only way we would remain friends. Needless to say, the fries weren't as good and animal style seemed to be lacking the get up and go I experienced in the Bay Area. Sure, we can keep palm trees alive in the southern part of the state, but they look so much better closer to an ocean. Hang on to your CA residence as long as you can. I've been back in the beehive state for four now, and I still miss it--every day.

Taryn said...

I too can't stand that they are putting an In-N-Out in Utah. I am bugged that there is one in St. George already!

In-N-Out is a So. Cal thing and should stay that way!

Unknown said...

I grew up in California and I miss my In N Out. I'd be happy to have one come to Seattle. I'd even wait until the buzz died down so that I could wait 5 minutes for my double double without onion and chocolate shake. Okay...I'm a little sad now.

Ann-Michelle said...

I grew up in Utah also, but after living in Seattle, that city is where I belong. I dreaded the move back to Utah. Its been better than I expected, but I don't love it.

You have hit on one of my biggest pet peeves about Utah: The Trendy Chain Restaurant. In Example: Cafe Rio, Krispy Kreme (eww.. pet peeve #2: K's and ZZ's where they don't belong), Cold Stone, 5 Guys, and the like.

I thought it was cheating when they put In-N-Outs in Phoenix, where they DO have palm trees. I'll boycott with you if you want.

Mumsy said...

Well, you can catch me at The Creamery on Ninth. And no where else. (But I totally get what you're saying. And I've never once been there.)

rabidrunner said...

Okay. I have never been to an In 'n Out. Something tells me that I could make that my claim to fame? Are the burgers really that good? I'm a fan of burgers. The best burger on the planet is at the Cotton Bottom in Salt Lake. Garlic burger on a french bun. No better burger. 'Cept maybe the burger I make... with Guac and jalapenos. Or maybe a juicy peppery thing with loads of crumbled blue cheese. Or the burger I make with a saute of button mushrooms and onion, topped with provolone or swiss.

I think we'll be having burgers here soon.

Bless you for making me hungry!

Emma said...

Did you know that there is already an In-N-Out in St. George? Yes, it was ridiculous when it opened. Lines were crazy, but now, hardly a line unless it's a weekend or Spring Break.

Oh, but we do have Palm Trees so it fits.

Sue said...

Oh for heaven's sakes people, just be glad it's coming and stress about something that matters - like Michael Vick signing with the Eagles, or Mariah Carey canceling events, or Steven Tyler falling off a stage and breaking his shoulder.

In the whole scope of things, what's the big deal?

Sparks said...

I love Rabid. Never been to the silly burger joint? Yet another reason for me to consider trying to convince her to marry me.

And I love mom. The important things in life to consider are morons like Michael Vick. I hate that bastard. I can't usually say that about someone I've never seen or met, but I hate that %&$*#@$ asshole.

Oh, and aren't burger places just a waste of space anyhow?

Aren't you so glad I'm back?

whitneyingram said...

Hand it to my mother and my sister to downplay my conundrum.

Brit said...

Hey its me, your beach stalker...anyway, my bro in law owns the ez out in orem...go there instead...they even have onion rings! (the only thing that could improve inn n out in my opinion)...that being said i am a die hard inn n out fan..have their jingle as my text ringtone and everything but i dont feel as guilty about going to ez out...its like im not cheating on my inn n out like i would be if i went in utah...where it doesnt belong.
p.s. it's not just a so cal thing, they're all over nor cal too...vegas and ut need to give it back to the state it belongs too!

Moira said...

You are forgetting one VERY important difference that makes the fact that they are in Utah even better. FRY SAUCE!!!!!! You don't see that in California. It's very Utahn AND it makes the fabulous fries taste even better. So California can have the palm trees....we will have the fry sauce....haha. Well at least they had better have some stinkin' fry sauce...haha

Kelley said...

If it makes you feel any better, I've lived in Utah for 5 years, and when asked where I'm from, I still say Ohio! And my husband and I were talking about how while we're excited for the goodness of In-n-out, we're afraid that having it here, right in our own backyard will take away from the "specialness" if you will.

Megan said...

Moira, you just made me gag. Fry sauce? That's just vomit put through a blender, so I'm pretty sure you can have it no matter what state your burger joint is in.

My crazy crazy life said...

We felt the SAME way you did when it came to Arizona. Before we were married, my husband lived in California and it was a HUGE treat to have it and we would always hit the very last one in Indio before we crossed the border back into AZ. When it came to AZ, we were so excited and yes...we had to wait 2 hours to get a burger. Well it's lost it's charm when we go to Cali...it's no big deal now...BUT we still love it way better than any other fast food restaurant and we only have to wait 30 - 45 mins. now.

Kate Nally said...

it's just another one of Utah's attempts to be more like California. All I can say is that I'll be avoiding Univ Parkway even more during the first few months that in-n-out is open...

Staci said...

Wow, you really hit a sore spot here with people. I can't believe so many are impassioned about something so irrelevant to me. But maybe that's because I'm from Utah. Oh yeah, and I've also never been to in n out--even though I lived in St. George when it opened. Just call me a nonpassioned, utah, nonburger loser.

Cakespy said...

How fascinating--having never lived in CA it's kind of a mystery to me, but I am so curious about this In-N-Out! I'd say it might be worth trying out in Orem--you'll know if it feels right!

Tricia said...

moira.....they already have fry sauce. they don't call it fry sauce. it's "spread". they put it on every burger. and you can get it "on the side", and dip your fries in it, if you can get around the chopped pickles. or it also comes in a little packet, to squeeze out and dip. maybe UTAH stole the whole fry sauce idea from IN-N-OUT?!!!!

so anywayyyyyys, whitney (i got your voice mail, by the way...i will send it soon!), you have touched a nerve. i hate that utah gets an in-n-out.

so there. lol.

and as far as where they will put the palm trees....i think they will implant two of those "cell-towers-disguised-as-palm-trees" out in front and call it good.

i'm really sad that in-n-out has chosen to branch out as much as they have.

about 10 years ago, our family knew a man who was desperately negotiating a deal with in-n-out to bring them to utah. they told him absolutely no way, no how. so i'm truly surprised to see it happening.

so i'm completely lame that i feel so strongly about it. i will commit to only eating in-n-out at HOME. that's California, people. i even have an old INO t-shirt that says, "Get a taste of Southern California" on the back. Bet it's worth something now, because now it should read: "get a taste of wherever you are because that's where we'll be".

Moira said...

The "Spread" and "Fry Sauce" are completely different. Someone had told me about that, so when I was in California on vacation, I tried it. It's great on the burger but I didn't like it so much for dipping my fries in it. But that's just my opinion....haha
I think it is amusing how people have taken to this post. I live in Utah but am not from here. I'm from Northern Ireland. I think that both states have their pros and cons, just as any other state in the U.S. In-N-Out being in Utah has nothing to do with Utahns trying to be like Californians. It is merely a very smart business move on their part.
I've been to the one in St. George on a number of occasions, and no matter what time or what day I've gone, it is crazy busy. I'm very confident the same will happen with all others that are open.
So that being said....both states rock....and In-N-Out is what it is. Great!!! No matter what state it's in.........lol

Emily said...

They are actually opening 4 in Utah. I'm from CA, used to work for the company, and have relatives that still do. As for the quality, they've waited to open these four until they've built a warehouse closer than Vegas. Every store gets a delivery every other day to keep everything fresh. I think it's great that they're going to Utah, but then again, I don't live there and have one a couple miles from me. :)

b. said...

My neph worked in the one in Orange for years...it was his claim to fame.
I ate there...and it was just meh.

Shelby Lou said...

there are a bunch of in-and -outs in las vegas. i think it's horrible that they put them in Utah. Utah just shouldn't have them, it's one of those things that Utah just doesn't have. I guess I am kind of selfish that way, but really...

Isabelle said...

"just utah's attempts to be more like california'' lol do the californians (is that right? californians? O_o) seriously think that? XD the only thin I don't like about in n out in orem is that going there won't be so special anymore... no "we're going to St. George! yay! In n Out In n Out In n Out!!!"

maybe they'll have metal palm trees? we've all been wondering about the climate issue... :)