For today’s Culture Showdown, it’s two legendary cult burger franchises with a healthy rivalry: California’s In-N-Out Burger and Texas’ Whataburger. Devotees of both chains would happily go to the mat for each chain’s artery-blasting delights, but how do employees of each company feel? Does Whataburger takes as good care of its employees as it does its customers? Does In-N-Out offer any work benefits you can’t get at any regular old burger chain? Let’s look at what Comparably’s employee-submitted data tells us about both companies.
A Whataburger employee praises “the culture and the amazing employees.” Another says, “I love what my job provides in values and the care they show to new employees.”
For In-n-Out, an employee writes that the company presents “a fun and positive environment all of the time.” Others say “everyone is supporting and helpful” and “The hard-working atmosphere is incredible and the company does a great job hiring like-minded people.”
Whataburger employees say management “leads by example and show us everything.” Another calls company leadership “very collaboriative and passionate in doing the right thing.”
An In-n-Out employee says, “The leadership team is amazing. I love all the hard work that is put into this company.” Another calls store management “so caring and eager to help me grow.”
One Whataburger employee tells us, “I think I am paid well and actually enjoy my job.” Another dissents slightly, writing, “New employees earn 10 an hour but when I started the starting wage was $9.15. Older employees’ wages weren’t raised.”
An In-n-Out worker writes, “They pay employees more than minimum wage.” Another says, “We need to be paid more for how much we deal with the stress that comes with the job.”
A Whataburger employee the one thing the job is missing is “benefits and perks.”
At In-n-Out, employees are happier: They say that the company “helps you build your 401k” and that “insurance premiums are cheap and good.” Also noted are “the fun parties and paid vacations.”
