Where’s the fun in having access to everything, everywhere?

It's Christmastime again, and for me that means a trip to Los Angeles, California. It also means a lot of trips to In-N-Out Burger, the popular burger chain from Southern California.

In-N-Out has developed legendary reputation in the fast food industry, mostly from a super focused menu, exceptionally well-trained staff, and good, fresh food. It's not dissimilar from the rabid fan base that surrounds Chick-fil-A restaurants around here.

There's one thing both companies have been into — expanding into other markets. This has led to great celebration in said markets, but I'm not sold.

Being from Los Angeles, I grew up on Double-Doubles, "animal style" fries, and Lemon-Ups. Sometimes, I miss it, being that no other burger chain on the east coast has been able to offer as good an experience. That said, I don't really care for making it accessible in Atlanta.

Part of the fun of visiting another city is getting that sense of place when you're there. In-N-Out feels Californian through and through. It's a reflection of the company's roots. Why would I need that experience in Atlanta, or New York City? Those cities are great in their own right, and offer up other kinds of enviable establishments that only they can.

This is all wishful thinking, and I'm ignoring critical principals of business and selfishly wanting to stunt growth and hating on capitalism and freedom and et cetera and so on. Chick-fil-A has already made its way to the west coast. The furthest In-N-Out has reached is Texas. Until a "distribution center" pops up nearby (stores are required to be located no further than a day's drive from a DC) at least I can still live in my stubborn dream world and enjoy In-N-Out while vacationing out in L.A.

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