Vegetarians Demand an In-N-Out Veggie Burger

Vegans want to have their In-N-Out and eat it too: 18,000 people have signed a petition asking the California-based cult-favorite burger chain to put a veggie burger on the menu.

While In-N-Out does have an off-menu grilled cheese — essentially a burger minus the patty — the petition argues that a meal of a “cheese-slathered bun” and fries isn’t sufficient, saying, “In-N-Out has been letting its fans down by failing to serve anything that would satisfy a burger-loving customer who wants a healthy, humane, and sustainable option.”

Reached by phone, an In-N-Out spokesperson said she was aware of the petition but could not yet comment.

The petition will be sent to company president Lynsi Snyder once it garners 25,000 signatures, but it seems highly unlikely In-N-Out will cave to this demand. The cornerstone of the restaurant’s success has been to keep its food simple: While McDonald’s and Burger King experiment with caprese sandwiches, Cheetos, and burger burritos, In-N-Out has shown immense restraint by keeping its menu to just three items — burgers, fries, and shakes.

Making concessions to dietary restrictions that would serve only a minority of diners, such as veggie burgers or gluten-free buns, would only serve to bloat In-N-Out’s minimalist menu. The relatively tiny chain, with just 300 locations versus McDonald’s 15,000-plus U.S. stores, doesn’t have to be everything to everyone, nor should it try; hungry vegetarians and vegans turn to any number of other chains, from Chipotle to even White Castle, for more meatless options.

• Put a Veggie Burger on the Menu at In-N-Out! [Change.org]
• All In-N-Out Coverage [E]

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