*In-N-Out Burger has fallen to fourth place in USA Today’s 2025 fast food burger poll, a notable slide from its previous rankings.
The reader-driven survey, which featured ten burger chains selected by editors, placed Habit Burger & Grill’s Double Char at the top, followed by A&W’s Papa Burger and Jack in the Box’s Jumbo Jack. Other chains like Culver’s, Five Guys, and Shake Shack also outranked In-N-Out, highlighting a fiercely competitive burger market.
The rankings come amid a playful rivalry with Habit Burger & Grill, which previously taunted In-N-Out with a 2024 billboard campaign proclaiming, “Congrats on #2, In-N-Out.”
We previously reported that In-N-Out Burger emerged victorious in Yelp’s 2025 ranking of America’s top 25 burger chains. Released on International Burger Day, May 28, the list celebrates chains with over 100 locations across multiple states, crowning In-N-Out as the nation’s favorite.
“A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948,” Yelp noted, praising its over 400 locations and 100,000 positive reviews.
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The victory flips the script on last summer’s USA Today ranking, where Habit Burger & Grill claimed first place. The chain has revealed plans to expand, with a new restaurant slated to open at a former Denny’s location in Ukiah, California.
“The Ukiah location isn’t slated to open until early 2026,” said Kathy Kwon of Karsha Chang Public Relations, noting that construction awaits approval.
“As a rural community, attracting businesses like Habit Burger and Hobby Lobby isn’t just about adding new shopping and dining options—it’s about creating opportunities for our local businesses to thrive,” said Mo Mulheren, Second District supervisor.
Meanwhile, In-N-Out’s CEO, Lynsi Snyder, recently stirred controversy with comments on a July 19 podcast. “There’s a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,” Snyder said on “Relatable” with Allie Beth Stuckey.
Her remarks, coupled with plans to relocate her family to Tennessee and establish a split headquarters, sparked backlash. Online critics, particularly on a Los Angeles subreddit and Instagram, labeled her comments hypocritical, with some calling for a boycott.
