If you have yet to get your hands on a Double-Double, Animal-Style from the beloved U.S. chain In-N-Out, your time has finally arrived.
Open one day and one day only, In-N-Out is rumoured to be operating a pop-up lunch service out of King West bar, Wheatsheaf Tavern, happening tomorrow, December 16, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For those unfamiliar with the fast-food chain, one that has earned itself a cult-following, In-N-Out is a regional chain operating primarily out of California, with locations also in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon and Colorado. Founded in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948 by Harry Snyder and Esther Snyder, In-N-Out was the first drive-thru burger stand in California, which to this day, is the most popular mechanism for grabbing one of their signature burgers.
Most famous for their Double-Double, comprised of two freshly ground 100% USDA ground chuck patties, custom made buns using old-fashioned, slow-rising sponge dough, American cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and of course, In-N-Out Sauce, the chain is known for its dedication to using the highest quality ingredients. The way to order is off the secret menu, "animal-style," meaning the patties are griddled with yellow mustard and topped with chopped grilled onions.
In-N-Out is not just a fast food chain; it is an obligatory must-do attraction for anyone travelling to California. Drive past any In-N-Out and there is guaranteed to be a line of cars wrapped around the parking lot waiting to order.
This is not the first time In-N-Out has run a pop-up in Toronto. The chain is known for running pop-ups worldwide, having made appearances in Peru, London, Australia and Southeast Asia. Toronto's last In-N-Out pop-up was back in 2014 and garnered hundreds of people eagerly waiting in line, with burgers selling out within an hour. Wristbands were handed out during prior pop-ups to those waiting in line that promised wearers a burger.
The company is known for quietly announcing its upcoming presence in a city and in typical fashion, tomorrow's Toronto pop-up was advertised in a sponsored Instagram ad. The reason behind these seemingly random pop-ups is still ambiguous but with suggestions of it being to increase brand awareness, share the California treasure abroad or even a possible tactic to protect trademarks. Regardless of the motive, the event is expected to draw a crowd of devoted fans and newcomers.
Check out the rumoured In-N-Out pop-up tomorrow, December 16, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wheatsheaf Tavern, located at 667 King St W. If you are dedicated to securing yourself a burger; you might be lining up before the sun rises.
Both Wheatsheaf Tavern and In-N-Out have been contacted for further comment. Stay Tuned.
