Networking and In-N-Out Burger

I have eaten at famous restaurants. Most are good and memorable. In-N-Out Burger holds a special place in my heart. Local chains are usually worthwhile. Rumor has it I have flown to Dallas to eat at Whataburger. I do a little more in Texas. Whataburger is a highlight.

Phoenix had Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger. I never ate at the standard fast food restaurants while living there. Aspire to something better than McDonald's. One advantage to staying at an airport hotel is having an In-N-Out within walking distance.

Last visiting in 2020- they were limited to Covid rules. No drink refills and that night the credit card machine was down. Stupid pandemic. Arriving on Saturday night, there was a line. A long line.

There was a longer line at the drive thru. Don't complain about California gas prices if you wait in a twenty car line making 0 MPG. Mileage may vary. It was crowded so waiting inside the restaurant or in your car was going to take a while.

I made it to the front quickly. My number was 7. The latest order processed was 46. The numbering system is based on one hundred so it felt like being the recently deceased in Beetlejuice.

With drink refills and managing to find a seat; this was where the action began. The people around me were in the same boat. They listened for their numbers. The orders were not finished in numerical order.

Certain orders are filled more quickly. If you order two milkshakes- it is date night- that takes less time to process than a Double-Double combo. The patrons are friendly. I don't get that vibe at Chik-Fil-A.

That is the chain where people act like they invented politeness. Yes, the employees are polite. Because they want to be or because there is a corporate agenda? I go there with my sister's family because they have a play area and the children have not aged out of it.

In-N-Out is a different experience. I did not mind waiting. If I were on a thirty minute lunch break- from the era where I had reasonable hours and a meal break: thirty minutes is not long enough and sixty is too long unless you go out.

This was Saturday night entertainment. I spoke a little with my neighbors. You don't go there to talk to others. It happens and is a good use of our time. It's always nice when someone's number comes up.

After a few Diet Cokes (I switched to pink lemonade because that is local and wouldn't keep me up all night) my number was called. Sitting near families reminds me of my sister's family. Take these children at face value as well. I ended up talking to an East Coaster whose mother lives in McLean, Virginia.

Chances are I delivered flowers to her. Ordering animal style off the secret menu- some complain about the french fries. You come here for the burgers. The fries are alright. Cheese, spread and grilled onions cover any issues one might have with the fries.

It is a friendly experience. Yes, it costs more than it did during the Phoenix years. I can afford it. This company always paid it employees better than the average fast food employee. Their employees work really hard. I don't know if they take Door Dash or Uber Eats orders. Those services make fast food more expensive and justify higher wages for employees who were never respected.

East Coast fast food options stink. Popeye's is alright and there is one Freddie's in the area. Nothing that would make me want to leave LAX, walk down Sepulveda and enjoy a meal that will lead to another trip through the TSA line. It is a good option whenever you are in the area. Maybe agree to pick someone up at LAX if they'll spring for In-N-Out.

With traffic and construction- they should take you to Spago if they pick you up at LAX. In the absence of making reservations (Spago also has a secret menu) this was the apex of a quick and enjoyable trip. It certainly ended the summer on a high note.