How bad do you want a veggie burger? Just ask the over 20,000 people in the United States who have signed a change.org petition demanding (not even requesting) that In-N-Out add a vegetarian burger option to its menu.
Sounds simple, right? Give customers what they want and they’ll be happy. But the truth is, you can’t please everybody and sometimes you shouldn’t even try. This is the case with In-N-Out. You see, the chain’s menu is famous for its bare-bones approach: Burgers, cheeseburgers, fries and shakes. If you’re thirsty, go ahead and order a soda.
If you’re a diehard fan of the brand, you may already know that they DO in fact already have a vegetarian option on the menu. Well, it’s actually on the “secret menu” (which isn’t a secret, really) but you knew that if you’re an In-N-Out fan.
The vegetarian item is a grilled cheese sandwich. And it’s really good. But it’s not good enough for the folks who started the petition who agree that, yes it’s a vegetarian option, but it’s more of a “cheese-slathered bun.”
Raging Vegetarians Bent on Bending In-N-Out Brand
If you think the originators of this petition are peaceful, tree-hugging, plant-food loving Americans, think again. The Good Food Institute has a “mission” to ensure restaurants add more veggie options to their menus.
But here’s the thing. If a brand isn’t willing to modify its culture and, therefore, its menu to appease those who want a vegetarian option, who is the Good Food Institute to force the issue? It would be one thing if a group of investors wanted a veggie option. It would be similar if a large group of franchisees wanted a veggie option. But for a non-profit group to force the issue isn’t really playing nice. It’s not their brand. If In-N-Out wants to be ‘out’ when it comes to the veggie burger game, then let them.
Even vegetarians are speaking out against the petition, calling it “stupid.” As for In-N-Out, they have no official response to the petition other than to acknowledge that they’re aware of it. Essentially, they don’t have to lift a finger as vegetarians aren’t their target audience.
Perhaps, as a response, In-N-Out should add a burger with more meat and call it the Good Food burger. How would you approach a restaurant that you thought could benefit from a vegetarian option? Let us know in the comments.
