How In-N-Out invented the 2-way speaker system and created the first modern drive-thru
- In-N-Out is credited as the first chain to have a two-way speaker system for drive-thru orders.
- Founder Harry Snyder invented the system from his garage in 1948.
In-N-Out's claims to fame aren't limited to its celebrity fans and mouthwatering burgers.
The California-based chain is also credited as the first fast-food restaurant to have a two-way speaker system for drive-thru orders — an invention that revolutionized the fast-food industry and is still used industry-wide today.
In 1948, Harry Snyder invented a 2-way speaker system for his burger restaurant from his own garage
In-N-Out was founded by newlyweds Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948. According to the chain, Harry Snyder visited the local meat and produce markets to buy fresh ingredients for his 10-foot-wide hamburger stand. Esther handled the accounting for the restaurant from their house, which was located near the stand in Baldwin Park.
However, while their business was successful, Snyder dreamed of a world where customers could place orders faster and without leaving their vehicles, according to the chain. So he started experimenting in his garage after long days slinging burgers.
Eventually, he created a two-way speaker system, allowing In-N-Out to become the first fast-food chain to offer the complete drive-thru experience. The innovation allowed customers the convenience of not having to leave their cars or speak to an employee face-to-face to place their orders.
When In-N-Out introduced its drive-thru ordering system in 1948, drive-up service was the standard at other fast-food chains
Customers would drive their cars into the parking lot and either walk up to a counter to place their order, or have their order taken from their cars by an employee.
The first McDonald's drive-thru wouldn't open until the mid-1970s. However, other chains like Jack-in-the-Box and Wendy's began using the technology invented by In-N-Out in the mid-to-late 1960s.
While In-N-Out's original burger stand in Baldwin Park was demolished years ago, a replica was built near the location in 2014. Today, the chain has locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. It is still owned and operated by the Snyder family.