Latest news with #JackHinchliffe
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
California's burger wars heat up as Habit Burger & Grill trolls In-N-Out with new billboard
Habit Burger & Grill has doubled down on its provocative marketing strategy, updating its billboard trolling of burger giant In-N-Out for a second consecutive year after once again beating the chain in a national ranking. Habit has updated its existing billboard near Los Angeles International Airport, directly across from an In-N-Out location on Sepulveda Boulevard, to reflect its rival's drop to fourth place in USA Today's 10 Best fast-food burger rankings. The same sign from last year has been recycled, with the '#2' crossed out in red and replaced with '#4.' The company — which took first place for the best fast-food burger (the Double Char) — also earned top rankings from USA Today for best fast casual restaurant and best fast-food side dish for its tempura green beans. 'We congratulated In-N-Out on being #2 last year with a billboard,' Jack Hinchliffe, chief marketing officer at Habit, said in a press release. 'This year, we were going to send a gift but couldn't afford the postage to Tennessee, so we saved a few bucks and reused the same billboard. We just had to swap out the 2 for a 4.' The Tennessee reference is a pointed jab at In-N-Out's eastward expansion. In January 2023, the company announced plans to establish an Eastern territory office in Franklin, Tenn., by 2026. Last month, billionaire owner and Chief Executive Lynsi Snyder announced on a conservative podcast that she is personally leaving California for Tennessee. 'There's a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,' Snyder said during her appearance on a conservative podcast. She specifically cited COVID-19 pandemic-era restrictions as particularly challenging for business operations. Snyder's departure represents a seismic shift for the leader of a brand that has been a pillar of California fast-food culture for more than 75 years. The move places In-N-Out among a growing list of major companies relocating from California, including electric car maker Tesla, financial services firm Charles Schwab, and oil giant Chevron, all citing regulatory challenges, operational costs and policy disagreements. The timing of Habit's latest marketing gambit coincides with In-N-Out's continued decline in the annual USA Today rankings. In-N-Out ranked sixth in 2023, second in 2024, and fourth this year. USA Today's 10 Best contests rely on expert panels to select nominees, followed by public voting to determine winners. While not scientific, the rankings have gained attention among consumers. The billboard campaign represents an asymmetric marketing battle between two companies of vastly different sizes. In-N-Out operates more than 400 locations across eight states, while Habit has more than 385 restaurants across 14 states and international markets since opening its first location in Santa Barbara in 1969. 'We were born in Santa Barbara in 1969, remain proudly Californian and we're not going anywhere,' Hinchliffe said. Both chains maintain their headquarters in Irvine, located about seven miles apart, though In-N-Out plans to consolidate its California operations in Baldwin Park, where Harry Snyder, Lynsi Snyder's grandfather, co-founded the company in 1948. The In-N-Out billboard is part of a broader campaign by Habit targeting multiple competitors. The company has deployed mobile billboards to locations near other chains that made the USA Today rankings, including Chipotle, Five Guys, Shake Shack and Panera Bread, offering congratulatory messages on their lower rankings. In-N-Out did not respond to a request for comment.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vote Habit Burger's Double Char #1, Get the #1 for $1
Back on the USA TODAY's 10Best ballot and ready to defend its title, Habit's reigning #1 Double Char is just $1 at participating locations for a limited time Vote Habit Burger's Double Char #1, Get the #1 for $1 IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perfection deserves re-election, and the Double Char is back on the ballot. Habit Burger & Grill's fan favorite burger has once again been nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best, following its first-place finish last year. To celebrate, Habit is offering CharClub members the opportunity to try the burger that earned the top spot—for just $1 at participating locations. From June 23–27, CharClub members can get a Double Char for just $1. The offer will appear under "My Offers" in the Habit App or website and can be redeemed online or in-store. Not a member yet? Fans can join the CharClub for free and enter promo code 1DBLCHAR under "My Offers" to unlock the deal. 'We're offering the Double Char for $1 because it's the number one voted burger,' said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer at Habit Burger & Grill. 'It was voted #1 last year in USA Today's 10Best, and we're confident that once you try it, you'll agree. We're inviting everyone to join our CharClub and try the #1 for $1. No catch—but if you agree, cast your vote. We're also nominated for Best Fast Casual Restaurant, which is truly an honor. Vote for us there, too.' Last year, voters made the Double Char rank #1 in USA TODAY's 10Best* poll. Now, Habit is inviting guests to help make it a two-time champion—while giving them the perfect excuse to taste what all the buzz is about. "The Double Char is built like a tank, but it eats like a dream," said Chef Jason Triail, the brand's Director of Culinary Innovation. "It's got two juicy patties, melty cheese, and that smoky crust from the open-flame grill that just hits different. It's savory, fresh—and yeah—people got it last year. That's why they voted. And we're asking them to vote again." The Double Char is in one of several categories Habit is nominated in for 2025. In addition to voting for the Double Char, voters can simply scroll down to also support Habit in the category of Best Fast Casual Restaurant and also for Best Fast-Food Sides for their Tempura Green Beans, the latter of which also won first place in USA Today's 10Best last year. HOW TO VOTE (DAILY THROUGH JULY 7) Vote for the Double Char hereThen scroll down to vote for: Best Fast Casual Restaurant – Habit Burger & GrillTempura Green Beans HOW TO GET THE DOUBLE CHAR FOR $1 (JUNE 23–27) Offer available to all registered CharClub members. Orders can be placed online, through the Habit Mobile App, or in store scanned at the register. Limit one per CharClub member. Not a CharClub member? Register here, enter promo code 1DBLCHAR under 'My Offers' and add the offer to the cart. For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn. *Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024). **Get (1) one Double Char with or without cheese for $1. Offer valid from 6/23/25 through 6/27/25. Taxes and fees extra. Add-ons extra. No substitutions permitted. LIMIT: one (1) redemption per CharClub member. Valid at participating U.S. Habit Burger & Grill locations for CharClub members who are logged in and place an order on the Habit Burger & Grill website, mobile app, or in-restaurant scanned at the register. For a limited time and while supplies last. May not be used for delivery orders unless order is placed directly on the CharClub mobile app. Prices of other menu items and availability of items may vary. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have or create a valid account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. Offer not valid at Habit Burger & Grill locations in Las Vegas, NV; Henderson, NV; Chino Hills, CA; Upland, CA; Redlands, CA; Ontario, CA; Fontana, CA; Hesperia, CA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Victorville, CA; Barstow, CA; Rialto, CA; Colton, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Rohnert Park, CA; Hamilton, NJ. Also excludes airport, university, and casino locations About Habit Burger & GrillBorn in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best1, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best2, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal3. The brand was also featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and included in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at Sources:USA Today 10Best, USA Today 10Best, The Daily Meal, Newsweek, The Daily Meal, Thrillist1Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024).2Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Sides. (Published July 2024).3Based on Daily Meal's survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp! and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023). A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HOT DADS WANTED: Habit Burger & Grill X UFC GYM Launch Bold Search for the Hottest Dads in America for Summer Calendar
Habit's new salad line gets the official UFC GYM endorsement—and collaborates on creating a sizzling calendar featuring America's hottest dads HOT DADS WANTED: Habit Burger & Grill X UFC GYM Launch Bold Search for the Hottest Dads in America for Summer Calendar HOT DADS WANTED: Habit Burger & Grill X UFC GYM Launch Bold Search for the Hottest Dads in America for Summer Calendar IRVINE, Calif., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The grill is hot. The salads are hotter. And now, so are the dads. Habit Burger & Grill is turning up the heat with a brand-new lineup of fresh, made-to-order salads featuring juicy, chargrilled chicken—so fresh, so flavorful, they've been officially endorsed by UFC GYM. To celebrate the launch, the two brands are teaming up on a nationwide casting call to find America's hottest dads for the first-ever Hot Dads of Habit x UFC GYM Calendar, debuting July 1. That's right. It's a hot chicken salad drop. It's a hot dad drop. And it's happening now. 'At Habit, we take our salads seriously—and our hot chargrilled chicken even more so,' said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer at Habit Burger & Grill. 'Our new salad lineup is made fresh to order and topped with chargrilled chicken straight off the grill, never pre-cooked, never chilled. It's bold, flavorful, and ready for the spotlight. Just like our hot dads. And how do Hot Dads like their lettuce? Shredded.' The new salad lineup includes all-new creations like the Mango Miso Salad and Harvest Chopped Salad, alongside fresh takes on fan favorites including the Santa Barbara Cobb, Chicken Caesar, and Garden Salad. Each one stars Habit's signature chargrilled chicken, flame-seared to juicy perfection. Salads, often unfairly stereotyped as a 'mom order' while dads are expected to go full carnivore, are officially getting rebranded. Bun-less options don't have to be boring. Habit's salads pack hot chargrilled chicken breast on top of fresh, flavorful ingredients that are as satisfying as they are craveable. They're hearty, delicious, and absolutely UFC GYM endorsed. Hot dads, meanwhile, will be judged on more than just biceps and bro energy. 'We're looking for dads who bring the heat in and out of the gym,' said Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM. 'Whether it's meal prep or math homework, story time or strength training—we want the kind of dad who can crush a workout and crush a salad in the same afternoon.' Six selected winners will earn a coveted spot in the Hot Dad Calendar, launching July 1 and running through the end of the year. Each will also score two FREE one-year UFC GYM Champion memberships, perfect for training with a workout wingman (or wingwoman). Think you (or your dad) have what it takes? Auditions are now open until Friday, May 23 at For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn. About Habit Burger & Grill Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best1, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best2, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal3. The brand was also featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and included in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at Sources: USA Today 10Best, USA Today 10Best, The Daily Meal, Newsweek, The Daily Meal, Thrillist1Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024).2Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Sides. (Published July 2024).3Based on Daily Meal's survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp! and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023). About UFC GYM UFC GYM® is the first major brand extension of UFC®, the world's premier MMA organization. As the first to unite the benefits of MMA with fitness, the brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. UFC GYM's TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach provides members with the ultimate fitness experience and programming that secures results for all ages and training levels. With more than 160 locations opened and 500 additional locations currently in development globally, UFC GYM has revolutionized the mixed martial arts and fitness industry while positively impacting countless lives worldwide. Members can enjoy classes ranging from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to boxing, yoga and its signature DUT (Daily Ultimate Training), train in state-of-the-art fitness rooms, enjoy spacious locker rooms, indulge in juice bars, utilize kids clubs and more. In addition to its corporate-owned clubs, UFC GYM offers the opportunity to own and operate a franchise domestically and internationally through the UFC GYM® or UFC FIT® model. For franchise information, email franchiseinfo@ or visit For more information, please visit and follow UFC GYM on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. Habit Burger & Grill Press Contact: HBGMedia@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Happiness Has a Flavor—And It Tastes Like Habit Burger & Grill
New report reveals a correlation between happiness and Habit—with the top three happiest cities all home to Habit Burger & Grill restaurants, while Cleveland, the unhappiest city, has none Happiness Has a Flavor—And It Tastes Like Habit Burger & Grill IRVINE, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The results are in. The happiest places in the U.S. have one delicious thing in common: Habit Burger & Grill. A new report ranking the happiest cities in the U.S. shows a perfect correlation between happiness and Habit, with the top three spots all home to Habit's signature chargrilled flavor and award-winning burgers. #1 Happiest City: Fremont, CA – Home to a Habit #2 Happiest City: San Jose, CA – Also home to a Habit #3 Happiest City: Irvine, CA – Habit HQ, baby! But at the bottom of the happiness ranking? Cleveland, OH, a city without a Habit Burger Grill. Coincidence? We think not. 'Our perfect correlation between happiness and Habit might not be scientific, but let's be honest—when you're biting into a freshly chargrilled Double Charburger, life is just better,' said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer at Habit & Burger Grill. 'Cleveland, we see you. And we have a feeling this happiness gap might be something we can fix.' What exactly does that mean? Well, let's just say Habit believes everyone deserves a taste the #1-ranked* Double Charburger—wherever they are. But it's clear that the char-to-joy ratio is undeniable; every city that ranks high on happiness has a Habit, and the one at the bottom doesn't. That's some serious food for thought. For now, we'll let the numbers speak for themselves. But if you're in Cleveland and suddenly find yourself craving a fresh, chargrilled-to-order Double Charburger, we'd say... stay tuned. For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit *Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024). Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media at: FB: IG: TikTok: LinkedIn: About Habit Burger & Grill Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers – it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, being featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and praised for its Tempura Green Beans, named as the top green bean dish in The Daily Meal's 'Ranking Green Bean Dishes From 11 Chain Restaurants' in 2023. Additionally, it was listed in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally – and continues to grow, serving up delicious meals that capture the essence of California feel-good food. Learn more at Sources: Newsweek, Daily Meal, Thrillist Habit Burger & Grill Press Contact: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Battle of the Better Burgers Takes Manhattan: Habit Burger & Grill's Billboard Puts Five Guys in Their Place—Fifth Place, to Be Exact
IRVINE, Calif., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The better burger battleground just got a whole lot juicer today. After Habit Burger & Grill 's Double Char was crowned #1 by USA TODAY 10Best*, the brand isn't keeping the celebration to itself. Instead, it's taking the message straight to the streets—and directly above a Five Guys restaurant in New York City. The new billboard, towering over Five Guys, cheekily reminds the competitor of its own ranking with a bold, undeniable, and rather ironic truth: 'You're Ranked #5, Guys.' This isn't the first time Habit has flexed its chargrilled confidence. In September, the brand playfully 'congratulated' In-N-Out for securing the #2 spot on the same 10Best list. Now, Five Guys gets its turn in the hot seat—well, the #5 seat. 'New York is famous for its big billboards and even bigger personalities, so we figured, why not have a little fun?' said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer of Habit Burger & Grill. 'Earning the #1 spot is no small feat, and while we respect the competition, we're not shy about celebrating it. Our Double Char speaks for itself: chargrilled, fresh, and now officially the best.' As the Battle of the Better Burgers continues, Habit Burger & Grill is proving that greatness isn't just grilled—it's earned. And now, with a #1 burger and a billboard with a view, Habit is making sure everyone, especially Five Guys, knows exactly where they stand. For those who haven't yet tried the #1-ranked Double Char (as voted by the fans), consider this your sign—literally. For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit About Habit Burger & Grill Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers – it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, being featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and praised for its Tempura Green Beans, named as the top green bean dish in The Daily Meal's 'Ranking Green Bean Dishes From 11 Chain Restaurants' in 2023. Additionally, it was listed in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally – and continues to grow, serving up delicious meals that capture the essence of California feel-good food. Learn more at
