Member Reviews

Audiobook received for free through NetGalley

I only got 40% of the way through this, off and on, before forgetting about it. That said it was written well just not my cup of tea

Was this review helpful?

As someone born and raised in Southern California, I was very excited to hear about this title. Learning about the history of such an iconic food chain was exciting, until I started to listen. After the chapter of In-N-Out's humble beginnings, it felt like it was turning into a marketing campaign and I was incredibly disappointed. Even the founder's daughter couldn't sing the jingle right. I stopped listening because it felt like a failed PR stunt and not honoring the restaurant that is synonymous with LA County.

Was this review helpful?

I have heard about In-N-Out Burger but have never eaten there.
The story was interesting and the use of old audio clips was fun although not all were easy to understand.
But keep in mind the story is one sided and probably bit biased since it is written by the current president and CEO.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great audio book! I loved hearing the story of In N Out Burger. The narration was perfect and I sure did learn a lot, plus it made me hungry!

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun listen. I was very excited to listen or read it and it didn't disappoint...mostly.
Some of the older recordings they play in it could use some mixing as some were hard to hear volume wise and others were to loud. At least balance then volume wise to match the rest.

It does have a fair amount of preachiness which I expected some knowing the backbone of In-N-Out but there's a lot in here.
It didn't affect my overall enjoyment because I knew it would exist.

Was this review helpful?

It is obvious from the beginning of this audio book that Lynsi Snyder is passionate about Everything In-N-Out Burger. Knowing she was born and raised in the business, I was able to appreciate the fact that through so many hardships endured in the 75 years of this private company's business, she has remained true to the commitment that her grandfather made when he started In-N-Out. It is a fascinating story of perseverance, regulating growth and staying true to a brand. (one which I eagerly look forward to indulging in when I have the opportunity to travel west where the bulk of their business resides- Yum!) Hoping some day the business grows its way all the way to the east coast. Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Audio Books for allowing me to listen to the ARC of this very interesting legacy.

Was this review helpful?

I was only able to get about halfway through this book before the archive date, but I was disappointed by what I did listen to. I would have liked a more objective look at In N Out, written by a third-party. I feel that the author, although rich in family history, is not in a position to write an unbiased account of the company’s history.

Was this review helpful?

Because why WOULDN’T I want to know more about the burger empire that me and my family are obsessed with?!?

While I didn’t have many (if any) expectations going into this, I was excited to dive in and it gave me more than anticipated! More than just the story of how In N Out came to be, the audiobook was full of clips of interviews, speeches, and fun facts.

I devoured this just like I do my double double with onions!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for an ALC of this book!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun and Interesting listen! I 100% recommend the audiobook!! The audio book also had snippets from their tv show! So that was super fun!

What I don’t recommend is reading this book if you live far from an In and Out Burger. Because I’ve never wanted one so much in my life 😭

This book has it all! Scriptures starting off each chapter, information on ALL things in and out, how they make their buns, slice their tomatoes and even what type of beef they use for their burgers. And let’s us not forget, the Bible verses they put on the bottom of all of their products.

It also shares heart wrenching stories of child abuse and death. (Not in detail, but def made me tear up.)

I was in awe with how this company truly puts the customer first. One manager even keeps a tire gage in his pocket incase someone needs one! Seriously, what kind of company is this. 😍

At any chance I get, I will give in & out my business! They are a solid company with great values - they have great missions that they support (every dollar from book sales will go to some of their missions!) and have great American food!

THANK you netgally for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

While this is ostensibly a history of the popular burger chain In-n-Out, it reads much more like it was written by a team out of the marketing department with the primary purpose being a training guide for new employees. There's an inspirational story of perseverance and controlled growth throughout the 70+ years of the business, but this book doesn't share it, instead sidetracking with author Lynsi Snyder (current CEO, granddaughter of the original founders) sharing vague reminiscence about her family followed by a quick pivot to glossing over any issues before things get uncomfortable.

At one point, for example, Ms. Snyder explains how her father and uncle were both abused by their father Harry Snyder (the original founder), but then a dozen pages later we hear how the company has an employee award in honor of Harry. An award that was not created during either of the son's reigns as head of the firm, needless to say.

Equally important to be aware of before you crack this book open is that In-n-Out wears its religious beliefs on its proverbial sleeve and that this book also opens each chapter with Bible quotes and in a number of spots, Ms. Snyder explains her own trust in Jesus and beliefs in Christianity. If that's in alignment with your own beliefs, you'll likely find it inspiring, but for the rest of us, it is unnecessary and inappropriate in what's being positioned as a business title, not a religious title.

Still, if you persevere, there's a lot of fun things you can learn about the beloved company, what they serve, the secret menu, how food prep is managed and stores are managed. Then again, maybe the study guide or Cliff's Notes version might contain all the good stuff without the insipid and banal additions.

Was this review helpful?

Mostly a PR piece for the company. No real depth or new information that couldn't be found on the company's website. I had looked forward to learning more about the behind-the-scenes of the business—a la Shoe Dog—but it fell flat.

Was this review helpful?

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger was absolutely amazing. As someone from the East Coast who has never eaten or even much thought of In-N-Out Burger past its place in the cultural zeitgeist of America, I found it incredibly interesting to read about the family and values that not only started the business, but kept it running for the past 75 years. Reading the story of a cultural food icon through the lens of someone who grew up as part of the In-N-Out founding family gives a unique feel to the book, as if Lynsi Snyder is discussing the company’s history over a plate of burgers at the company picnic. It is both familiar and honest, and absolutely a must read for anyone even remotely curious about the history of this fast food icon.

Was this review helpful?

Great hamburgers and a great backstory. Spending most of my life in a combo of southern California and Arizona, I have a huge appreciation for the phenomenon that is In-N-Out.

Learning the history of the founders, how the chain developed over time, and what went into making them unique compared to other fast food joints was a fascinating experience.

The audiobook of this includes some original recordings of the founders between chapter breaks that was fun to hear.

Don't go into this one hungry!

(I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review)

Was this review helpful?

Loved hearing about the story of how In-N-Out became the amazing company that it is today. The story made me hungry the whole time and also made me want to join this amazing company as they have it figured out. They believe in what they do and they have a strong belief system. Absolutely amazing.

Was this review helpful?

If you are a fan of In-N-Out Burger, or just fast food in general, you will enjoy learning about the history of In-N-Out Burger. Even if you aren't a fan of either, the background story of the family owned business is interesting. Lynsi Snyder is the (only) granddaughter of the founders, Harry and Esther Snyder. Read the story of how they started the concept that became In-N-Out Burger.

In-N-Out Burger has many policies that make it possible for you to work your way up in the business. In fact, everyone, including Lynsi, start in the same position and are promoted as appropriate. They have employees who have been with the family owned company for many years. In fact, I listened to the audio version of the book, and there is an audio clip from the very first associate (employee) of In-n-Out Burger. He worked for them for over 50 years. There is also history given about the Snyder family.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve never been to In-N-Out but who hasn’t heard of this fast food burger joynt ?? I was interested.

Lynsi is very religious & peppers the book with her faith.

I loved the behind the scenes peek at the evolution of this bit of hamburger heaven. The pocket buns! Coke or Pepsi? The movement from bottles to fountain drinks. The care taken in every aspect of the business! Marketing! The break up & the belief in their vision. The success! The problems! The highs & the lows.

There was a personal story behind the business that you can hear in Lynsi’s own words.

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for the ARC. I loved the audiobook! Great narration!

Was this review helpful?

An interesting look at the history and evolution of INO Burgers. It is more of a memoir and inspiration than a business school text which is not a bad thing. The author, a member of the INO ownership family comes across as both authentic and open about the Ins-N-Outs (excuse the pun) of a family business as well as the pitfalls and pressures of a family business. A light but insightful read.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed hearing Lynsi share her family's story. She was honest with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I love how she clings to her faith through it all, though that was not pushed in this memoir. While I knew a lot about the restaurants, I did not realize how involved they were with the Irvinedale racetrack! It makes so much more sense why all my shirts have cool, classic muscle cars on them. In a lot of ways, this is a generational coming of age story.

Was this review helpful?

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger provides an in- depth look at this iconic American burger chain. While it offers a comprehensive archive of the company's achievements, such as store openings, it falls short in sharing personal stories of the family behind the business. These personal anecdotes were the true highlights of the book, leaving me yearning for more. It was a unique experience to hear the book narrated by the author who also happens to be president of In-N-Out burger. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?