In‑N‑Out Burger, a staple of the West Coast and now a national favorite, owes its famous Animal Style burger to a simple request from a customer in the early 1960s. Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick told Fox News Digital that a patron watched an associate craft a customized burger and asked for the same preparation. The name “Animal Style” was coined on the spot and has endured ever since.
How the off‑menu items evolved
Over the decades, customers have given nicknames to the various ways they like their burgers prepared. These monikers, such as Animal Style, Double‑Meat, 3×3, 4×4, Grilled Cheese, and Protein Style, describe exactly how the order should be made – from extra spread and grilled onions to wrapping the patty in lettuce instead of a bun. Warnick emphasized that whether an order is on the “secret” menu or not, every burger is cooked fresh‑to‑order, exactly as the customer wants.
Historical roots and growth
Founders Harry and Esther Snyder opened the first In‑N‑Out in a Los Angeles suburb in 1948, claiming the title of California’s first drive‑through hamburger stand. By 1973 the chain had expanded to 13 locations, all within Los Angeles County. Today the privately‑owned Snyder family oversees more than 400 restaurants across ten states.
The “secret” menu has long been an open secret. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2004 that longtime patrons already knew how to order Animal Style, and a 2005 article encouraged diners to explore the hidden menu on the company’s website. Even today, new fans discover the style online and on social media, describing it as a “game changer.”
Other off‑menu favorites
Beyond Animal Style, In‑N‑Out’s unofficial menu includes the Flying Dutchman – two beef patties and two slices of cheese served without buns or condiments – a creation attributed to former CEO Guy Snyder before his death in 1999.
While the chain’s menu remains simple, the flexibility to customize has become a hallmark of its brand, reinforcing the company’s promise to make customers happy by serving exactly what they desire.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
