"Founded in 1948 as a burger stand in Baldwin Park, California, the chain has grown into a cult-favorite fast-food brand known for fresh ingredients, simple offerings with off-menu customizations, and fiercely loyal fans who have lined up for openings (notably during its 2011 Texas expansion) and even road-tripped to visit every location. With roughly 385 restaurants, the company has announced an eastward push by establishing an Eastern territory office in Franklin, Tennessee, with the first new restaurant in that expansion planned for Nashville in 2026, a cautious step that could presage further national growth. The brand inspires strong opinions: devotees praise the quality and secret-menu options, while critics deem it overrated; it has also faced controversies, including a refusal by one location to enforce a pandemic mask mandate, reported donations to Republican political campaigns, and the practice of printing small biblical references on packaging." - BySam Stone