In-N-Out Sets Sights on Copycats

If you're like many entrepreneurial In-N-Out fans out there, you've thought of opening your own In-N-Out-Style burger joint in one of the many states that doesn't have one yet. Now you may have to think again as In-N-Out begins striking back with its suit against Chadder's. In our earlier review of Chadder's we pointed out the many similarities that are obviously copied from In-N-Out: menu design, architecture, secret menu item choices -- just to name a few.

I'm sure Chadder's is in some legal trouble here (each individual complaint sounds petty, but the culmination of all the imitations is difficult to defend) -- at least they could have made their infringement a little less blatant like Fiamma Burger did in Washington.

All that being said, why bother? Why sue a small business in a location you don't compete in? I suppose it's to stop the bad behavior before it spreads, for that I don't blame them. InO has been close to opening Utah locations in the past, this is further insight into their (slow) expansion plans.

Also, I recommend reading Tim Schreiber's opposing viewpoint on his blog, from there you can even read the court documents! Exciting.

Update: Chadder's has already made some changes in response to the lawsuit. The Cattle Network provides a great rundown of the suit here. Here's a quote:

"Moreover, its court response said that after being sued Chadders underwent some changes, among other things painting railings blue and switching to blue aprons for employees. Chadders also contended that In-N-Out locations around the West had inconsistent exteriors.

The case is continuing, but on June 29 the judge issued a temporary restraining order barring Chadders' use of trademarked names of In-N-Out sandwiches, including the Animal Style, Double-Double and 3x3 burgers. Chadders' employees were instructed to tell customers asking for such items that they aren't available."

InO Knockoff in Washington

Another smart company is capitalizing on the simplicity of In-N-Out's time-tested menu in Bellingham, WA -- with a few changes just so it's not totally obvious. Fiamma Burger opens in just 47 days with an innovative promotion (see pic left). Jason Lee writes a great review for the Baron & Company Blog.

"Fiamma Burger, “Bellingham’s premier all-natural burger joint,” has a beautifully simple menu, similar to In-N-Out Burger’s menu, a virbant looking atmosphere and is positioned as a distinctively different burger choice to the competition just across the street (Bob’s Burger & Brew)."

First Experience

In-N-Out is yet again a California tourist's destination, right up there with Hollywood Boulevard.

"The next day we romped around San Diego all day, seeing the sites. It was my first time seeing the Pacific Ocean and I was inspired to attempt to conquer my fear of heights. I failed. But I also had my very first In-N-Out Burger, of which I approve."

Wanna write for In-N-Out Talk?

Do you love In-N-Out and want to write about it? Have you been to In-N-Out and have an interesting story, video, or pictures to share? Well, here's your chance:

In-N-Out Talk is looking for good contributors to this blog. The requirements are simple and there are two ways you can be involved:

1. One-time post:
- All you need to do is email in your post to innouttalk@gmail.com, with associated pictures and link to video if applicable, and we'll add it to the site (assuming it's approved).

2. Official Author:
- Email one post to innouttalk@gmail.com, with associated pictures and link to video if applicable.
- Include in your email your commitment to posting 3 times per month.
- Then we will send you the invite to have access to authoring posts directly to this blog.