In-N-Out Burger Faces Fan Backlash Over Fries and Menu Changes

In-N-Out Burger, a fast-food chain known for its cult-like following, is facing a wave of customer complaints, with particular criticism directed at its fries and recent menu ingredient changes. While the California-based company has cultivated an image of fresh, high-quality ingredients, a recent compilation of customer gripes reveals a range of dissatisfactions.

Recent alterations to the chain's menu, including a switch to sea salt, the removal of sesame flour from buns in some states, and the use of real sugar in ketchup, have coincided with ongoing complaints about the fries. Many customers describe the fries as having a poor texture, with one Reddit user calling them "cardboard" and others lamenting their perceived lack of quality. This criticism comes despite In-N-Out's emphasis on preparing fries from fresh potatoes, sliced in-house and fried in sunflower oil.

Beyond the fries, other common complaints include cold food, order mix-ups, and the notable absence of plain mayonnaise as a condiment option. The chain's signature spread is available, but customers seeking simple mayonnaise are out of luck.

Long wait times also represent a significant frustration for patrons. Diners have reported spending up to 20 minutes in line to order inside, with drive-thru waits extending to around 40 minutes. Some former employees suggest that dining room waits can sometimes be faster than drive-thru lines, depending on overall store traffic.

These customer criticisms emerge during a period of unusual change for the typically tradition-bound company. In addition to the ingredient updates, In-N-Out recently announced that its store managers now earn an average annual salary of $200,000. The company is also known for paying above minimum wage to its entry-level staff, which it cites as a factor in its high employee retention rates.