Habit Burger Vs In-N-Out: The Major Differences Between The Rivals - Tasting Table

"In-N-Out is the older, simpler, more traditional brand opened by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948 as what's considered California's first "drive-thru" hamburger stand. Habit, on the other hand, launched in Santa Barbara 21 years later, becoming a more "chef-driven" fast-casual chain built around chargrilled burgers and a wider, more varied menu selection."

"In-N-Out is still family-owned and operated, currently headed by Lynsi Snyder, granddaughter of the original founders. All its restaurants are company owned, and there are no plans for public offerings or franchising. Meanwhile, Habit is now part of a much larger fast food empire. Yum! Brands, the parent company behind Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, completed its acquisition of The Habit Restaurants in 2020 for about $375 million."

"Habit actively pursues growth through franchise and company development, with at least 380 locations in the U.S. and abroad. In-N-Out has expanded beyond California, too, but its footprint is still regionally focused, with about 435 locations in California, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Washington, and most recently, in Tennessee."

"In-N-Out's official menu is famously succinct: hamburger, cheeseburger, Double-Double, fries, drinks, and shakes, plus its "Not-So-Secret menu." Habit's menu stretches wider. In addition to its charburgers, the menu includes grilled chicken, ahi tuna filet, salads, frozen treats, and sides, with all meats cooked per order over open flames."

In-N-Out Burger and Habit Burger & Grill both originated in California and developed strong regional followings. In-N-Out opened in 1948 as a simple drive-thru hamburger stand founded by Harry and Esther Snyder. Habit launched in Santa Barbara in 1969 and became a chef-driven fast-casual chain centered on chargrilled burgers and a broader menu. In-N-Out remains family-owned and company-operated under Lynsi Snyder, with no franchising or public offerings. Habit is owned by Yum! Brands after a 2020 acquisition and grows through franchise and company development. In-N-Out keeps a short menu focused on burgers, fries, drinks, shakes, and a secret menu, while Habit offers charburgers plus items like grilled chicken, ahi tuna, salads, and frozen treats cooked over open flames.

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