Five Guys thread, a 130+ page swordfight. (1 Viewer)

[Nipsey]

Sitting here salivating looking at these pictures now. Last time I went I had the truffle burger I think. I don't know how you can beat the truffle burger. It's unbelievable.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/classic-burgers/

 

[stbugs]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Sitting here salivating looking at these pictures now. Last time I went I had the truffle burger I think. I don't know how you can beat the truffle burger. It's unbelievable.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/classic-burgers/

Best bun in the burger business too.

 

[Nipsey]

Sitting here salivating looking at these pictures now. Last time I went I had the truffle burger I think. I don't know how you can beat the truffle burger. It's unbelievable.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/classic-burgers/

Best bun in the burger business too.

pretty much best everything

 

[The Commish]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

It's not the be all end all of burgers. I've never had one in the pita before.

 

[Joe T]

Sitting here salivating looking at these pictures now. Last time I went I had the truffle burger I think. I don't know how you can beat the truffle burger. It's unbelievable.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/classic-burgers/

Best bun in the burger business too.

5G's should take note.

 

[IC FBGCav]

I think the only way out of this is a blind taste. When and how that can be done, I have no idea.

 

[NCCommish]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

Actually the Super C from Showmars is my favorite burger in town. Someone asked me to stop mentioning them though so I was referring to the cafe down the street from my office. The burgers are pretty good and they are huge. If I get a double for lunch I usually don't eat again until breakfast.

 

[stbugs]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

It's not the be all end all of burgers. I've never had one in the pita before.

I liked the Pita part. It reminded me of a sub shop in Boston my buddies and I used to grab food from on Sundays after partying and before football. They had a great cheeseburger sub. The cheeseburgers weren't phenomenal, but at that point we were starving and the grinder/rest of it, made it much better.

Personally, I like 5G a lot, much better than most other options, but I am glad it isn't close. I work from home and that would be bad news if it was close.

 

[stbugs]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

Actually the Super C from Showmars is my favorite burger in town. Someone asked me to stop mentioning them though so I was referring to the cafe down the street from my office. The burgers are pretty good and they are huge. If I get a double for lunch I usually don't eat again until breakfast.

I'll have to try it the next time we go. We haven't eaten there in a while. The kids liked it for a while after their religion class, but just like anything you over do, it got old. It was always just OK to me, so I never suggest it.

 

[NCCommish]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

Actually I didn't move here until I was 26. Originally a Florida native.

Now this is going to get pretty local so if you don't live in Charlotte skip it. The best Showmars burgers IMO come from the location on Emorywood. When they did the remodel they left in the old cooking surface. It is very well seasoned and the burgers are phenomenal. Now with that said I have never had a bad burger at Showmars and I also like the location at Arrowwood and 49 but Emerywood is just a tad better.

 

[Chaka]

We're comparing I&O and FG because it's an interesting comparison. Who cares that they don't overlap perfectly all over the globe?

it's a fine comparison at some level, obviously. They are two of the best burger chains.

but falling short of I&O on some aspects doesn't make it horrible. doesn't seem reasonable to argue that because I&O sells things for one price that any other good burger chain has to charge a similar price or else not be worth visiting. it comes down to what options people have imo. most of us don't have I&O as an option.

I think the expansion of 5G is a good thing for most consumers as it offers a quality product at a reasonable price. If I&O opened more locations, I'd be psyched too but they aren't going to do that.

Again, I really don't see that argument being made.

While I prefer the double-double I still think the 5G burger is very tasty.

I also can totally agree that, at their best, 5G fries are better than In-N-Out's. My only real problem with them (ignoring my unbelievably misunderstood value stance) is that the 5G fries are so wildly inconsistent within a single batch, you gotta sift through a ton mushy/mealy ones to get to the excellent ones.

Do I need to order them for you as well?

Simply not true from my perspective.

No, but thank you for the offer.

I am glad that you acknowledge that perspective enters into this whole discussion.

My perspective was that there were very good ones but there were plenty of mushy/mealy ones too.

 

[Chaka]

That tears it!!!

I'm tired of all this namby pamby wussification of the FFA! I'm shooting the locks off the wallet and heading to 5 Guys right now!

Okay, I feel better now.

Walked in the door at 12:07 and walked out with my food at 12:15, that is some nice speedy service. NO YELLING!!!

Six people were already there when I arrived and five arrived while I waited. Place felt pretty darn empty.

Cashier was very friendly.

Got the Little Bacon Cheeseburger and a Little Fry (well done) for a total of $9.16, no drink. Better than my last experience there but still about $3 more than In-N-Out (just sayin').

They did not give me an overwhelming number of fries like they did last time. In fact I would say that it may have only been marginally larger than an order from In-N-Out (this is a good thing). Getting them well done made a big difference over my previous experience with 5G, I also think this location cuts their fries a little thinner which helps too. Crunchy on the outside, hot and perfectly soft in the middle. Still a few mealy ones but not nearly as bad as before.

Sadly the burger really disappointed. Love that they gave me grilled mushrooms and onions but if it didn't have bacon I wouldn't have been able to discern it from any other fast food burger. Patty was plenty thin and, other than the bacon, it really didn't have much going for it. Not terrible but not excellent either. Just an average burger. Not sure why I liked it more at the other location but perhaps I wasn't scrutinizing nearly as much on my previous visit.

I had one peanut.

Overall it was a fine experience, (better fries/worse burger than last time so it's a push) but I stand by my overall thesis that I can do better for cheaper.

 

[tom22406]

We're comparing I&O and FG because it's an interesting comparison. Who cares that they don't overlap perfectly all over the globe?

it's a fine comparison at some level, obviously. They are two of the best burger chains.

but falling short of I&O on some aspects doesn't make it horrible. doesn't seem reasonable to argue that because I&O sells things for one price that any other good burger chain has to charge a similar price or else not be worth visiting. it comes down to what options people have imo. most of us don't have I&O as an option.

I think the expansion of 5G is a good thing for most consumers as it offers a quality product at a reasonable price. If I&O opened more locations, I'd be psyched too but they aren't going to do that.

Again, I really don't see that argument being made.

While I prefer the double-double I still think the 5G burger is very tasty.

I also can totally agree that, at their best, 5G fries are better than In-N-Out's. My only real problem with them (ignoring my unbelievably misunderstood value stance) is that the 5G fries are so wildly inconsistent within a single batch, you gotta sift through a ton mushy/mealy ones to get to the excellent ones.

Do I need to order them for you as well?

Simply not true from my perspective.

No, but thank you for the offer.

I am glad that you acknowledge that perspective enters into this whole discussion.

My perspective was that there were very good ones but there were plenty of mushy/mealy ones too.

You have given your perspective quite frequently in here so far no matter wrong it was.

 

[Chaka]

Sitting here salivating looking at these pictures now. Last time I went I had the truffle burger I think. I don't know how you can beat the truffle burger. It's unbelievable.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/classic-burgers/

Great stuff but someone needs to tell them that Laguna Beach is not in Santa Monica.

 

[The Commish]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

Actually I didn't move here until I was 26. Originally a Florida native.

Now this is going to get pretty local so if you don't live in Charlotte skip it. The best Showmars burgers IMO come from the location on Emorywood. When they did the remodel they left in the old cooking surface. It is very well seasoned and the burgers are phenomenal. Now with that said I have never had a bad burger at Showmars and I also like the location at Arrowwood and 49 but Emerywood is just a tad better.

There was one up at university that had a cooktop similar....it burned down

 

[stbugs]

I hope that $2 went straight into your retirement fund.

At least it didn't go to someone else's.

I think you are talking about Showmars and I like 5G way more than Showmars. I've had a few cheeseburgers there, usually in the pita, which I like, but the burgers were just OK. I'd spend the extra $2 and get FG. Then again, I have never spent $14+ bucks as mentioned in here. I think $11 is the most I have ever spent if I sat down alone. I don't go often because it isn't that close, but most times I go, I usually just get the cheeseburger with nothing else. I like the fries, but that is more for with the kids after a game/event.

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!!!

Sorry man, but it's true. You and NCC may be more native to the area, but I like my burgers and have eaten them in a lot of places around the US. In fact, I lived in LA for a stint and I know I had Fatburgers at least once and pretty sure I had In and Out as well. I think I liked Fatburger better, not sure. Back on topic, I like 5G better than Showmars, by a good amount. Showmars isn't bad, but I never walked out thinking it was a great burger and a couple times walked out thinking that it tasted a little off.

Actually I didn't move here until I was 26. Originally a Florida native.

Now this is going to get pretty local so if you don't live in Charlotte skip it. The best Showmars burgers IMO come from the location on Emorywood. When they did the remodel they left in the old cooking surface. It is very well seasoned and the burgers are phenomenal. Now with that said I have never had a bad burger at Showmars and I also like the location at Arrowwood and 49 but Emerywood is just a tad better.

The only two I have been to are the one on Providence near 485 and the pretty new one on 521, so it may be more of a location thing.

 

[Chaka]

We're comparing I&O and FG because it's an interesting comparison. Who cares that they don't overlap perfectly all over the globe?

it's a fine comparison at some level, obviously. They are two of the best burger chains.

but falling short of I&O on some aspects doesn't make it horrible. doesn't seem reasonable to argue that because I&O sells things for one price that any other good burger chain has to charge a similar price or else not be worth visiting. it comes down to what options people have imo. most of us don't have I&O as an option.

I think the expansion of 5G is a good thing for most consumers as it offers a quality product at a reasonable price. If I&O opened more locations, I'd be psyched too but they aren't going to do that.

Again, I really don't see that argument being made.

While I prefer the double-double I still think the 5G burger is very tasty.

I also can totally agree that, at their best, 5G fries are better than In-N-Out's. My only real problem with them (ignoring my unbelievably misunderstood value stance) is that the 5G fries are so wildly inconsistent within a single batch, you gotta sift through a ton mushy/mealy ones to get to the excellent ones.

Do I need to order them for you as well?

Simply not true from my perspective.

No, but thank you for the offer.

I am glad that you acknowledge that perspective enters into this whole discussion.

My perspective was that there were very good ones but there were plenty of mushy/mealy ones too.

You have given your perspective quite frequently in here so far no matter wrong it was.

Okay

 

[tom22406]

We're comparing I&O and FG because it's an interesting comparison. Who cares that they don't overlap perfectly all over the globe?

it's a fine comparison at some level, obviously. They are two of the best burger chains.

but falling short of I&O on some aspects doesn't make it horrible. doesn't seem reasonable to argue that because I&O sells things for one price that any other good burger chain has to charge a similar price or else not be worth visiting. it comes down to what options people have imo. most of us don't have I&O as an option.

I think the expansion of 5G is a good thing for most consumers as it offers a quality product at a reasonable price. If I&O opened more locations, I'd be psyched too but they aren't going to do that.

Again, I really don't see that argument being made.

While I prefer the double-double I still think the 5G burger is very tasty.

I also can totally agree that, at their best, 5G fries are better than In-N-Out's. My only real problem with them (ignoring my unbelievably misunderstood value stance) is that the 5G fries are so wildly inconsistent within a single batch, you gotta sift through a ton mushy/mealy ones to get to the excellent ones.

Do I need to order them for you as well?

Simply not true from my perspective.

No, but thank you for the offer.

I am glad that you acknowledge that perspective enters into this whole discussion.

My perspective was that there were very good ones but there were plenty of mushy/mealy ones too.

You have given your perspective quite frequently in here so far no matter wrong it was.

Okay

At least you know how to order fries now so I'm still holding out hope for you in the future.

 

[Sarnoff]

Umami Burger Truck

whoa. say what? the mini ones or regular?

Full size burgers, of course.

which one you have?

Manly Burger. It was awesome.

 

[Nipsey]

Umami Burger Truck

whoa. say what? the mini ones or regular?

Full size burgers, of course.

which one you have?

Manly Burger. It was awesome.

Damn. I may have to get me one of those.

 

[Chaka]

We're comparing I&O and FG because it's an interesting comparison. Who cares that they don't overlap perfectly all over the globe?

it's a fine comparison at some level, obviously. They are two of the best burger chains.

but falling short of I&O on some aspects doesn't make it horrible. doesn't seem reasonable to argue that because I&O sells things for one price that any other good burger chain has to charge a similar price or else not be worth visiting. it comes down to what options people have imo. most of us don't have I&O as an option.

I think the expansion of 5G is a good thing for most consumers as it offers a quality product at a reasonable price. If I&O opened more locations, I'd be psyched too but they aren't going to do that.

Again, I really don't see that argument being made.

While I prefer the double-double I still think the 5G burger is very tasty.

I also can totally agree that, at their best, 5G fries are better than In-N-Out's. My only real problem with them (ignoring my unbelievably misunderstood value stance) is that the 5G fries are so wildly inconsistent within a single batch, you gotta sift through a ton mushy/mealy ones to get to the excellent ones.

Do I need to order them for you as well?

Simply not true from my perspective.

No, but thank you for the offer.

I am glad that you acknowledge that perspective enters into this whole discussion.

My perspective was that there were very good ones but there were plenty of mushy/mealy ones too.

You have given your perspective quite frequently in here so far no matter wrong it was.

Okay

At least you know how to order fries now so I'm still holding out hope for you in the future.

You mean fries well done? Yeah it's definitely a good thing and I am happy 5G offers that option.

It's also another In-N-Out innovation that 5G is using without attribution.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

 

[Nipsey]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

yes

 

[Wingnut]

Just went to 5G here in town. Not a peep from employees when I walked in. Heres proof:

Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd8Tf0aCUok&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Got a little bacon cuz burger and little fries. $8 and some change, and I couldn't finish the mountain of fries they gave me. Also swung by McDs in the way there and got a large $1 fountain soda.

http://imageshack.com/a/img833/1118/na6d.jpg

I'd gladly pay $6 for this burger over a $5 and change double quarter pounder any day.

 

[Sarnoff]

Umami Burger Truck

whoa. say what? the mini ones or regular?

Full size burgers, of course.

which one you have?

Manly Burger. It was awesome.

Damn. I may have to get me one of those.

Yeah, unfortunately I can't find a good listing of truck appearances. But, it was a great treat. Like, walk outside and Umami is sitting right there, how could I say no?

 

[NCCommish]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

 

[Nipsey]

Umami Burger Truck

whoa. say what? the mini ones or regular?

Full size burgers, of course.

which one you have?

Manly Burger. It was awesome.

Damn. I may have to get me one of those.

Yeah, unfortunately I can't find a good listing of truck appearances. But, it was a great treat. Like, walk outside and Umami is sitting right there, how could I say no?

What are we talking? $12? 14?

 

[Chaka]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

It has to do with their meat distribution network. Every store has to be close enough to one of their meat processing plants so that the meat never need be frozen at any point.

I belive In-N-Out owns all of their processing plants which is probably the limiting factor. 5G, apparently also never freezes their meat (another similarity to In-N-Out). But I am guessing they use commercial processing plants and not their own, which opens up more markets.

 

[Nipsey]

Supposedly the main I&O chick is considering a massive offer to sell the place and new ownership would expand everywhere. it wouldn't be the same place though. Everyone praying she doesn't sell but it's supposedly a ridiculous offer.

 

[Chaka]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

Also true but I am guessing they have enough cash to expand faster independently if they wanted to.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

It has to do with their meat distribution network. Every store has to be close enough to one of their meat processing plants so that the meat never need be frozen at any point.I belive In-N-Out owns all of their processing plants which is probably the limiting factor. 5G, apparently also never freezes their meat (another similarity to In-N-Out). But I am guessing they use commercial processing plants and not their own, which opens up more markets.

With the east coast being more populated, you would think a business model like that would thrive easier if you could service more locations with less processing plants.

 

[Plorfu]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

Lack of demand.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

More immediately, they had only a single meat-processing plant, in Baldwin Park, California, and they couldn't open up any location that was more than a day's drive from there because they wanted all their meat to be fresh.

They just built a new meat-processing facility in Texas, so they should be able to expand to a few more states within the range of that plant soon.

 

[Chaka]

Supposedly the main I&O chick is considering a massive offer to sell the place and new ownership would expand everywhere. it wouldn't be the same place though. Everyone praying she doesn't sell but it's supposedly a ridiculous offer.

I really hope that doesn't happen but I could see how the brand alone could command a ridiculous offer.

 

[pollardsvision]

Nice to see a burger chain refuse to sacrifice quality while they grow. Wish we had a chain like that on the East coast.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Supposedly the main I&O chick is considering a massive offer to sell the place and new ownership would expand everywhere. it wouldn't be the same place though. Everyone praying she doesn't sell but it's supposedly a ridiculous offer.

Sounds like a preemptive post to lower expectations for when INO expands and the east coasters in this thread are disappointed.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

More immediately, they had only a single meat-processing plant, in Baldwin Park, California, and they couldn't open up any location that was more than a day's drive from there because they wanted all their meat to be fresh.

They just built a new meat-processing facility in Texas, so they should be able to expand to a few more states within the range of that plant soon.

Prepare to be underwhelmed, Texas.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

I think Fuddruckers and Red Robin are also both national chains.

They are and their burgers are pretty damn good.

Much better than In-N-Out.

I'm pretty sure this post just guaranteed the thread will be well over 200 pages

Applebee's burgers are better than INO.

 

[Nipsey]

Supposedly the main I&O chick is considering a massive offer to sell the place and new ownership would expand everywhere. it wouldn't be the same place though. Everyone praying she doesn't sell but it's supposedly a ridiculous offer.

Sounds like a preemptive post to lower expectations for when INO expands and the east coasters in this thread are disappointed.

Call it whatever you want but the place for sure won't be as good. That's just a fact. People in this thread already poo-poo the place.

 

[Chaka]

Nice to see a burger chain refuse to sacrifice quality while they grow. Wish we had a chain like that on the East coast.

Maybe you will one day.

 

[Chaka]

Supposedly the main I&O chick is considering a massive offer to sell the place and new ownership would expand everywhere. it wouldn't be the same place though. Everyone praying she doesn't sell but it's supposedly a ridiculous offer.

Sounds like a preemptive post to lower expectations for when INO expands and the east coasters in this thread are disappointed.

I think with the level of hype it is pretty much guaranteed to happen initially but you'll come around eventually.

 

[17seconds]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

More immediately, they had only a single meat-processing plant, in Baldwin Park, California, and they couldn't open up any location that was more than a day's drive from there because they wanted all their meat to be fresh.

They just built a new meat-processing facility in Texas, so they should be able to expand to a few more states within the range of that plant soon.

My wife's uncle was head of HR until he retired a year ago. He still contracts for them.

I've asked him that question before and from what I know you guys have it nailed pretty well. They care an awful lot about the quality of their business and they have always been resistant to expansion. They'll only do it if they can maintain the same quality they have in LA. He told me they'll never go national but I can see it expanding more into TX.

You know at their inner city locations they put in bulletproof glass...

 

[pollardsvision]

Is there a reason why INO hasn't expanded nationwide?

The owners say they will not franchise and they will keep it a completely family owned business.

More immediately, they had only a single meat-processing plant, in Baldwin Park, California, and they couldn't open up any location that was more than a day's drive from there because they wanted all their meat to be fresh.

They just built a new meat-processing facility in Texas, so they should be able to expand to a few more states within the range of that plant soon.

You know at their inner city locations they put in bulletproof glass...

Smart move. You never know what Kenny Powers will do when he realizes he was lied to about the "forgot your wallet" thing.

 

[The Commish]

I think Fuddruckers and Red Robin are also both national chains.

They are and their burgers are pretty damn good.

Much better than In-N-Out.

I'm pretty sure this post just guaranteed the thread will be well over 200 pages

Applebee's burgers are better than INO.

I'll take your word for it. Never eaten at either one. I HAVE eaten at Fuddruckers....many times, until they closed here. Pretty freakin' good. For whatever reason, I like the chilled condiments on the hot burger and their fries are good too.

 

[Sarnoff]

Umami Burger Truck

whoa. say what? the mini ones or regular?

Full size burgers, of course.

which one you have?

Manly Burger. It was awesome.

Damn. I may have to get me one of those.

Yeah, unfortunately I can't find a good listing of truck appearances. But, it was a great treat. Like, walk outside and Umami is sitting right there, how could I say no?

What are we talking? $12? 14?

Just the burger, no fries or anything, it's been a while but maybe $8/9 or $12. Don't really remember. $12 is my limit so it definitely wasn't over that.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Cliff Notes from pages 48-55?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This thread has the feel of the old Miller Lite commercials so in honor of that...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mnBmfimpNY

 

[Kenny Powers]

Roy Rogers is terrible.

To be fair, I think their rest stop locations are subpar.

I don't recall ever seeing a Roy Rogers that wasn't at a rest stop.

Roy Rogers wiki entry. In 1990 there were 648 locations. Now there are 50. Clearly the sign of a great franchise.

Way better quality than McDonald's, Wendy's and BK. Not sure why they tanked so badly - they have fried chicken (really good, better than KFC), roast beef sandwiches, and burgers. It's like a Popeye's, an Arby's, and a burger place rolled into one, but slightly better than all of those. I wish there were more of them.

The rest stop locations are garbage, you can't evaluate on those.

Once I saw Roy Rogers was brought up, I knew EG would chime in again

 

[17seconds]

Roy Rogers? is that some bulls###t chain from Canada?