Harry and Esther Snyder opened their first In-N-Out Burger store in 1948, introducing the first drive-thru hamburger stand in a space barely 10 feet square in Baldwin Park, California. An iconic yellow arrow cradles the logo, and according to its loyal associates (employees), “the arrow points to pride.” The chain’s associates and followers have been described as cult-like for their fierce loyalty to the brand. If you have ever tasted an In-N-Out Burger, you may have similarly appreciated its consistently fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple menu.
According to Michael Hiltzik (Los Angeles Times, May 2009), “In-N-Out management, from corporate headquarters in Baldwin Park and Irvine down to store level, is first class.” And we couldn’t agree more.
In the summer of 2007, when we were presented with the opportunity to help design a commemorative Christmas gift for their associates, In-N-Out Burger was approaching 60 years old with 223 restaurants in four states; California, Nevada, Arizona and a new restaurant in southern Utah.
The design process began with a hand painted representation of the original location in Baldwin Park. Our directive was to recreate that hand painted photograph in a three dimensional ceramic form. We started by sketching out the different sides of the cookie jar which needed to include the 1948 car depicted in the photo, their modest menu and, of course, the iconic In-N-Out logo.
We worked closely with the manufacturer who translated our sketches into a clay model. Several revisions followed, until we were happy with the three dimensional transformation and were ready to present the mold photos to the client. After the clay models were approved, the manufacturer moved on to the jar molds, which contained original signatures of the founders imprinted into the back of the jar. This personal touch added to the authenticity of the project.
The finished jar is packaged in a decorative keepsake box with a photo reproduction of the original 1948 burger stand on the cover.
Commemorative cookie jars, especially for licensed brands, is a thriving sub-market of the collectibles and vintage industries. We were honored by the opportunity to commerate this iconic California based family owned brand.
