Which fast-food chain opened California’s first drive-through hamburger stand in 1948?

In-N-Out Burger opened California’s first drive-through hamburger stand in 1948.

Harry and Esther Snyder founded the company in Baldwin Park, California, after opening the stand on October 22, 1948. Customers ordered through a two-way speaker system, allowing them to receive food without leaving their cars.

The distinction is sometimes confused with the broader history of drive-through restaurants. Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, is often credited as the first drive-through restaurant, opening in 1947, but In-N-Out is specifically associated with California’s early drive-through hamburger service.

The Snyders also emphasized fresh preparation and a limited menu. In-N-Out remained concentrated in the American West rather than expanding nationwide, helping preserve its regional identity. Its first location is now commemorated by a replica sign and historical marker in Baldwin Park.