In-N-Out Burger's signature Double-Double Burger shown in Costa Mesa, Calif. on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
Houston chef Chris Shepherd says he had never been to In-N-Out before the California-based fast food chain sent a cease-and-desist letter to his Underbelly eatery on June 18 demanding that the the local restaurant stop serving a burger called the UB Double Double, reminiscent of an item that is also featured on In-N-Out’s menu.
Since In-N-Out has trademarked the “double-double” name, Shepherd quickly complied, but not without poking fun at the incident. To commemorate the event, he renamed his offering the Cease and Desist Burger. By all accounts, the offending burger boasts two patties accompanied by two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Perhaps the only difference between In-N-Out’s version, aside from the sauce? Underbelly’s meat is butchered on-site at the restaurant and the vegetables are locally grown.
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According to Julai Whipple, the restaurant’s marketing manager, the Cease and Desist burger has proved itself to be one of the establishment’s most popular items since it was brandished with its new moniker. “I’m not sure whether it’s because they are showing their support, or the heirloom tomatoes,” she jokingly told TIME.
In-N-Out opened its first Texas location back in 2011. It currently has 16 outlets in Texas, all located in the Forth Worth and Dallas area. Though the chain plans to open more locations, it has none in Houston.
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