City where drive-through eating began is full (Nanny State strikes again)

AP ^ | July 3, 2010 | John Rogers

[C19fan]

The birthplace of California's drive-through craze has had its fill of fast food restaurants.

Amid complaints of obesity and lines of idled cars stretching into neighborhood streets, this blue-collar town is banning new drive-throughs in hopes of shedding its reputation as a haven for convenient, fatty foods.

It's an ironic development for a community that proudly claims to have opened California's first drive-through restaurant more than 60 years ago — a little joint named, appropriately enough, In-N-Out.

[Pablo64]

"In-N-Out has the BEST hamburgers of any fast food joint."

So true. I wish we had them here in Nebraska. I love the fresh cut fries, too. A "Double Double with cheese, fries and a vanilla shake, please!"

[lewislynn]

In-N-Out has the BEST hamburgers of any fast food joint.

That's your opinion, mine is:

Not even close. The onion slice is thicker and bigger around than the pattie. Maybe the smallest and the most overcooked, but not even close to the best.

Jumbo Jack, Carl's JR, or Wendy's is far superior to In-N-OUT.

[john drake]

Do you mean 5 Guys?

[nascarnation]

This could be ideology driven but may be just old Chicago style politics as so well practiced by the Baraqqis in the White House.
It’s possible the chain did not come up with the required under the table payoff to make the deal happen.

[Seaplaner]

Jumbo Jack, Carl's JR, or Wendy's is far superior to In-N-OUT.

Respectfully I must disagree. In-n-out burgers are simply the world's best. Second place? There is none.

.

[tlb]

>>> It seems that city officials are advancing two reasons for banning new drive-ins: 1) the food they serve is (allegedly) unhealthy; and 2) they cause traffic to back up onto streets.

That may be the reasons advanced, but ignoring the usual knee-jerk “nanny state” remarks I notice no sites are being closed. Therefore there is no actual effect on either problem. People never think this sort of thing through. The effect of this is to limit competition for the existing outlets. Their values accordingly will have just jumped.

I’d bet the local businesses are totally on board with this plan, and may well have contributed well to push it through. Their turf is now protected and whitewashed for righteous reasons. If they say it protects the environment, who can be against that. Even as what it primarily does is protect the future profits of the current franchise owners.

[ThomasThomas]

It is a 9 month ban on new drive thru’s. Nobody is going to build a new drive thru’s around there in the next 9 months even if there were no ban.

[MarineBrat]

In-N-Out makes a great burger. And their employees are awesome. It amazes me how their employees all look like my neighbor’s kids... and they are.

[JoanneSD]

I will miss driving thru Roberto’s fast Mexican food places, and also Jose’s fish taco joint, with extra cheese..and mayo.. gonna miss a lot of places like these independent owned, small businesses..

[Shimmer1]

I’m in a fog. Yes, i do. I may have to go up 35 miles to the place just for lunch so I can remember the name.

[rahbert]

I always try to patronize family-owned and locally owned
restaurants. Diners Driveins and Dives visits places like this all over the country.

[originalbuckeye]

Ooooooooo. Heart attack in a bag! Seriously, my son used to eat 2 double-doubles after playing under the Friday night lights in high school. Now he shudders at the amount he would eat after playing football. But does remember those hamburgers with fondness!