We know Angelenos love their In-N-Out, but now we know we're not alone—still. For the second year in a row, a major national poll has named In-N-Out America’s favorite burger chain. The Harris poll, released yesterday and detailed by San Francisco Business Journal, asked about 97,000 people for their opinions on thousands of brands in various categories, including 60 categories devoted to dining.
While the poll was conducted nationwide, the vocal minority of In-N-Out loyalists clinched the title for their beloved chain in spite of its relatively tiny number of locations, at least in comparison to some of the burger behemoths they found themselves up against. In their report, Harris compared In-N-Out fans to those of fellow category winners like Dunkin’ Donuts (the winner for both best quick service restaurant and best coffee), who have built intense fan loyalty among their cult followings of obsessed eaters. If you need to better understand just how intense people's love is for In-N-Out, check out this video and then go home to make you own Double-Double Animal Style with this tutorial. The pollsters also credited the brands with effectively courting their core customers and keeping them engaged over the long term, always coming back for more.
Around since 1948, In-N-Out is undeniably an institution in Southern California—but it is by no means where the burger conversation should end. The Harris poll only covered major chains, which obviously misses many of the best burgers around. Plus, one just has to be a little suspicious of any poll where the voters choose Olive Garden as their favorite Italian dining (we have some suggestions for that one, too).