"A California-born burger chain founded in 1948 that has become a West Coast icon, operating nearly 400 restaurants across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Texas, and Oregon and expanding into Idaho. It prides itself on maintaining consistent quality for its burgers and fries — including signature items like the double-double and animal-style fries — by building its own distribution and production capabilities before entering new markets. Leadership long resisted eastward expansion to preserve its uniqueness, but the company has grown steadily over the past decade (including openings during the pandemic) and is now preparing to move into the eastern U.S., a shift that may affect its cultural cachet among West Coast fans." - Amy McCarthy