• Los Angeles Times, Thursday, May 7, 2009 11 AM

Columnist Michael Hiltzik says that he divides the fast-food universe into two solar systems: In-N-Out and everybody else. The Southern Californian chain has developed a cult following, he says, because of its simple menu and "sedulous devotion to fresh, high-quality ingredients." That means that they're diligent in what they do.

They're also a bit quirky. There are, for example, the "biblicalcitations" printed on the edges and seams of its burger wrappers and disposable cups, a practice started by the born-again younger son but now deceased heir apparent to In-N-Out's founders, Harry and Esther Snyder.

A new book, In-N-Out Burger by BusinessWeek's Stacy Perman shows that In-N-Out has prospered by hewing close to the principles of controlled growth, limited menu, fresh food and regional focus. But it has a colorful past and unsettled future, and the book details the dirty laundry aired before the settlement of a couple of dueling lawsuits a few years ago.

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