In-N-Out’s Unique Policy on Customer Numbers
In a playful nod to cultural humor, In-N-Out Burger has announced that it intentionally skips over guest number 69 on its receipts. Officially stated by the company, guest numbers proceed from 68 directly to 70, leaving customers intrigued about the reasoning.
Understanding the Skip of Number 69
When questioned about the decision to bypass guest number 69, In-N-Out took to social media for clarification. The company’s response indicated a tongue-in-cheek reference to a bedroom activity, suggesting that the number’s implications are less than family-friendly.
Availability of Other “Skip” Numbers
While the number 69 remains off limits, In-N-Out confirms that customers can still receive guest number 169 when dining at their drive-thru locations, providing a humorous workaround for those who might want to reference it.
Superstitions in Corporate America
In-N-Out is not alone in its unusual numerical policies. Many establishments—including hotels, residential complexes, and offices—choose to omit the 13th floor based on superstitions concerning bad luck associated with the number. This often results in labeling the floor above the 12th as the 14th, effectively bypassing the notorious 13.
Anecdotes of Skipped Numbers
In a similar vein, the phenomenon of avoiding specific numbers extends beyond restaurants and hotels. A notable incident involved a Tennessee resident, Walter Slonopas, who discovered the number “666” on his W-2 tax form and subsequently quit his job. He remarked to ABC News, “I cannot accept this number. If you accept that number, you sell your soul to the devil,” highlighting the impact such numbers can have on individual perceptions.
Conclusion
Whether due to humor or superstition, practices like those seen at In-N-Out reflect a broader cultural tendency to assign meanings to specific numbers. They serve as reminders of how numerical representations can evoke varied sentiments across different contexts.