DarrylC

I've been to the Addison location once. I have no desire to return simply because the food is not worth the money. I could easily make the menu items at home, crack open a beer, and watch sports on TV. Ogling scantily clad women doesn't mean much in general, but if the food is bland, it means even less. This is why Heart Attack Grill closed in no time flat. It will be interesting to see if Twin Peaks survives at Mockingbird Station.

I'd also like to see rundown of DFW burger joints. When I moved here, I was surprised how much the burger seemed to rule Dallas dining. When I've looked up my favorite chains' data, it's taken me aback. It'd be interesting to see how locally owned establishments fare, especially since D Magazine and the Observer feature "Best Burger" stories annually.

I beg to differ with Nancy. I've quaffed more than a little 2BC in my time. I'd happily drink it with dinner at home and even with honored dinner guests. It's won its fair share of awards.

I will be camping out for the dark chocolate peanut butter cups and almonds. The nuts are the best thing at TJ's.

Jason, I've lived in both L.A. and Dallas. This city models itself after L.A. in some ways, from architecture, infrastructure, and culture. Take out "envy" if you don't like the term, but it's there. No skin off my nose if locals don't see or admit it.

Folks, forget the politics attached to all of this for a minute. Let's keep it simple:

Yes, In 'n' Out was overhyped, as so many other businesses have been.

Yes, they've probably oversaturated this market with locations. I'm a native Californian, and only in the L.A./Orange County basin do you see this many stores close together. Given that DFW has L.A. envy to some extent, though, and more than a few transplanted Californians, the company gambled that it could take that risk. If they're smart, the Plano location on 75 will be their last in this area, and they'll focus on Houston.

Yes, much of the appeal came from it being new and legendary. Since there are so many of us Californians here, they were guaranteed minimal loyalty. They still have it. I don't go as often as I did when the hype was on, but I still go. My daughter wasn't raised on In 'n' Out, but she loves it over any other fast food (and we don't eat fast food often anyway).

No, they're not dead. Far from it. I've visited most of the locations; only the one in Addison on the Tollway seems to be flagging. I've never been there during the height of lunch or dinner, so take that with a grain of salt.

If you don't like the quality of the food, either complain to their management, or don't go. In 'n' Out really takes quality control seriously. If they get enough buzz that their DFW operations are sandbagging, they'll respond.

Stores like Sprouts are closer to TJ's competition in all practical respects than Whole Foods or Central Market. They probably have much more to fear, especially if any future Trader Joe's stores open nearby. Sprouts has inexpensive wines, prepackaged dried fruits and nuts, etc., and a solid selection of produce. TJ's does have rather extensive produce in California, although not to the degree as supermarkets.

The competition here is for a particular demographic. TJ's always opens in more upscale areas and draws in relatively affluent shoppers with their convenience and prices. People who might make a longer trek to WF or CM for specialty food items and snacks will turn to TJ's if they're closer. That's what WF fears, I'd wager, especially in Lakewood.