Over the decades I have enjoyed many a twist on fast food in America. The local common denominator remains meat and potato. The way it is served is what makes it uniquely American. As in a hamburger with fries.
There are many multinational and domestic chain restaurants that offer a version of this combination. The hamburger begins as minced beef, mixed with spices and flattened to a round disc, then grilled and sandwiched between a bun with an option to add veggies in between for more flavor, crunch or texture.
The type of toppings and the type of beef and bread used tend to differentiate the finished product. But there is another variable too. Service. Cost, ambience and efficiency all rolled into one. Brands take great pride in distinguishing how its done different in what is clearly a competitive market.
Some opt for more variety on their menu giving customers the ability to customize while some keep it simple. Freshness is a seller and lot goes into marketing it to hungry and cost conscious consumers that are also turning health aware. I am going to get 8 + oz of cow along with fried potato topping out close to a 1,000 calories but I might want to watch what goes in those calories.
That said California and few western states have a regional chain that has been my favorite over the years. It is called In n Out. As the name suggests it is a quick serve place. They pride on a simplistic menu allowing customers to really select from four things and therefore keep the queue moving.
What they sell is deliciousness in a bun. The meat is well cooked and the thousand island dressing gives the sandwich a good overall flavor for every mouthful. The standard version includes raw onion (which you can ask to be grilled), slice of tomato and some iceberg lettuce. Add string fries made from fresh potatoes minutes before they are served and you are set. For around $5 this is one of the fastest and popular meals around.
Service is usually reliably impeccable with young staff in all white bustling around. From cleaning the premises - floors, counters, trash and restrooms to manning the cashier desk and calling out orders these energetic kids run the show with great focus and pride. Apparently the company was ranked as one of the better places to work.
There are many multinational and domestic chain restaurants that offer a version of this combination. The hamburger begins as minced beef, mixed with spices and flattened to a round disc, then grilled and sandwiched between a bun with an option to add veggies in between for more flavor, crunch or texture.
The type of toppings and the type of beef and bread used tend to differentiate the finished product. But there is another variable too. Service. Cost, ambience and efficiency all rolled into one. Brands take great pride in distinguishing how its done different in what is clearly a competitive market.
Some opt for more variety on their menu giving customers the ability to customize while some keep it simple. Freshness is a seller and lot goes into marketing it to hungry and cost conscious consumers that are also turning health aware. I am going to get 8 + oz of cow along with fried potato topping out close to a 1,000 calories but I might want to watch what goes in those calories.
That said California and few western states have a regional chain that has been my favorite over the years. It is called In n Out. As the name suggests it is a quick serve place. They pride on a simplistic menu allowing customers to really select from four things and therefore keep the queue moving.
What they sell is deliciousness in a bun. The meat is well cooked and the thousand island dressing gives the sandwich a good overall flavor for every mouthful. The standard version includes raw onion (which you can ask to be grilled), slice of tomato and some iceberg lettuce. Add string fries made from fresh potatoes minutes before they are served and you are set. For around $5 this is one of the fastest and popular meals around.
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| Busy kitchen and serving area |
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| Rush hour at the soda fountain - everything in its place and always clean |
Service is usually reliably impeccable with young staff in all white bustling around. From cleaning the premises - floors, counters, trash and restrooms to manning the cashier desk and calling out orders these energetic kids run the show with great focus and pride. Apparently the company was ranked as one of the better places to work.
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