• The Los Angeles Times, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 10:15 AM

California is where the quick serve business started back in the 1950s. But new player -- ironically an East Coast startup -- Five Guys is making inroads against a quirky, bible-toting chain that never left home: In-N-Out. Even though In-N-Out has the most loyal customers in the business, analysts say it better prepare for a David and David battle, since both tout fresh food, hand-cut fries and a somewhat anachronistic approach to fast food that sticks to the basics. Five Guys, privately held, has 770 locations in the U.S. and Canada. It now has 27 locations in California, but has plans to open 200 more in Southern California, nearly twice In-N-Out's SoCal store count. In-N-Out, based in Irvine, was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder and has about 250 locations.

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