Every time I venture down to California or Vegas (not as often as I’d like), a stop at In-N-Out Burger is a must. Health food it’s not, but if you’re looking for a fresh, good old fashioned burger, this is the place to go. Loosen the belt buckle and try the Double-Double with fries and a chocolate shake. You won’t be disappointed.

What does In-N-Out have to do with investing? Nothing really. But along with the top-notch fast food fare, they’ve got a great burger philosophy - Keep it Simple. If you want a teriyaki pineapple burger, you won’t find it here. A chicken burger or fish sandwich? Forget about it. They stick to what they do best. You’ve got the choice of a burger, cheeseburger, or the famous Double-Double. As for the fries, don’t expect to find any curly or spicy varieties. And to wash it all down? Choose from a short list of soft drinks or one of three shakes – chocolate, strawberry or vanilla (made with real ice cream, of course).

In the nearly 60 years that they’ve been in business, little has changed at In-N-Out, including the menu. Everything is still made fresh to order (there’s no microwaves or freezers) and the 150+ locations in California, Nevada and Arizona are all privately owned by the founding family. They’ve stuck to a controlled growth plan and don’t franchise out their business. How have burger fans responded to a simple and static menu over the years? The company has a cult following and is the envy of the industry in the southwest United States.

Sweet and simple is the mantra at In-N-Out. That’s a recipe we like.