Wed Sep 25 03:16:58 UTC 2024: ## Local Sports Bar Mocked by In-N-Out Over Menu Items, But Takes it in Stride

San Diego’s Fairplay Sports Bar has become the unlikely target of a cease-and-desist order from fast food giant In-N-Out Burger. The reason? Two of Fairplay’s menu items, “Double Double” and “Animal Fries”, were deemed too similar to the iconic In-N-Out offerings of the same names.

Instead of panicking, Fairplay owner Shane Gerde embraced the attention, joking about the situation on social media and even calling it “recognition by Big Burger.” While Gerde acknowledged his menu items were “largely inspired” by In-N-Out, he emphasized they were also slightly different and simply intended to give customers a familiar idea of what they were ordering.

Despite receiving the legal notice, Gerde remains positive about the experience, highlighting the positive reputation of In-N-Out and his respect for their brand. “We couldn’t have gotten a cease-and-desist from anybody better than In-N-Out,” Gerde told KUSI. “We were stoked to be recognized and happy to change the names.”

And change them they did. Fairplay quickly renamed their disputed items “Secret Menu Fries” and “Burger Burger,” continuing to poke fun at the situation on social media. “This feels like the perfect time to pop In-N-Grab a Burger Burger & some Secret Menu Fries. Or double up! Sorry, we don’t mean to tell you what to order. We’re not animals…just not our style,” the restaurant posted.

In-N-Out has yet to comment on the situation, but Fairplay remains unfazed by the attention. They maintain their respect for the fast food chain, emphasizing it was simply a case of paying homage. “We totally understand their position, and we were happy to change the names,” said Haley Gerde, Fairplay’s event/social media manager. “It was an easy fix for us and the folks at In-N-Out were incredibly nice about the whole thing.”

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