DeSantis Fuels Florida-California Rift with in-N-Out Critique,Fast Food boom in Tallahassee
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Florida governor Ron DeSantis has reignited the ongoing political tension with California,this time over a beloved burger chain and the regulations of the Golden State. The exchange began after DeSantis celebrated the opening of Cook Out in tallahassee, prompting a follower on X (formerly Twitter) to inquire about the possibility of bringing in-N-Out Burger to Florida.
DeSantis quickly responded, stating, “Despite my best efforts, I don’t see In-N-Out coming to Florida.” He then leveled a pointed criticism at California’s policies, recounting a recent family visit to an In-N-Out location where the milkshakes were served with paper straws. “I’m sure it was a California government requirement, but it entirely ruined the flavor,” DeSantis stated, adding that his children “rejected him after one sip.”
This isn’t the first time DeSantis has attempted to woo the California-based burger giant. Reports indicate previous efforts to attract In-N-Out to Florida were unsuccessful,with the company reaffirming its commitment to a business model prioritizing quality and proximity to its distribution centers. According to a 2021 company statement, In-N-Out has no current plans to expand to the East Coast or alter its operations to compete on a larger scale.
Tallahassee Welcomes New Fast Casual Options
While In-N-Out remains absent from Florida’s culinary landscape, Tallahassee recently experienced a surge in fast-casual dining options. The city saw the near-simultaneous openings of Cook Out and Smalls Sliders, catering to a growing appetite for rapid and affordable meals.
Cook Out, originating from North Carolina, quickly drew crowds to its new location on North Monroe Street, replacing a former Hardee’s. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that lines stretched around the building on opening day, with customers eager to sample the brand’s popular menu.
“My milkshake was incredibly thick, the cost was surprisingly low and the fries so crispy that every bite was an experience,” one user shared in the Tallahassee Foodies group, reflecting the positive initial reception. The brand is especially known for its artisanal milkshakes.
Smalls Sliders Expands Footprint in Florida
In parallel, Smalls Sliders opened its doors on West Pensacola Street, within the WestEnd Square shopping center. The Louisiana-based franchise, specializing in small burgers with a signature “Smauce,” celebrated its launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside representatives from the local Boys and Girls Club.DPC Smalls investments, the operating partner in Florida, emphasized the company’s commitment to “fun energy, bold flavors and commitment to the community.”
DeSantis’s comments highlight a broader narrative of contrasting approaches to regulation and business climate between Florida and California. While the governor frames california’s policies as detrimental to consumer experience, the incident underscores the complexities of business expansion and the importance of aligning corporate strateg
Why did this happen? Governor DeSantis’s critique stemmed from a personal experience with paper straws at an In-N-Out Burger in California, which he attributed to California’s regulations. He used this anecdote to highlight what he perceives as unfavorable business policies in California compared to Florida. The broader context is a political rivalry between the two states, with DeSantis often contrasting Florida’s approach to governance with california’s.
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