The Illinois-born Steak ’n Shake is often called the Midwestern equivalent of California’s In-N-Out Burger.

Both enjoy cult-favorite status. Both have stood the test of time (Steak ’n Shake was founded in 1934, In-N-Out in 1948). Both evoke yesteryear with their retro decor.

Beyond that, the two restaurant chains are tough to compare because of the vast differences in menu offerings and service style, as customers will find out today with Steak ’n Shake’s opening in Campbell.

One key difference: “We offer table service. We’re not a drive-thru,” says Dan Leder, owner of this 501 E. Campbell Ave. franchise that sits near the entrance to downtown.

And while In-N-Out devotes its energies to its small, traditional menu that revolves around a signature burger, one type of French fries and three milkshake flavors, Steak ’n Shake offers an ever-expanding menu that plays to today’s trends.

For example, the Prime Steakburger, a 6-ounce, all-natural patty of choice-grade brisket and chuck, has joined the other burger options, which include a Portobello Swiss, a Jalapeno Burger and a Royale with fried egg. Meal-size salads are now offered. The chain’s classic thin, crispy fries have been joined by Cajun Fries and Parmesan Cheese-Herb Fries. And the new Breakfast Shakes, which may be ordered any time of day, feature mix-ins of Cinnamon Crunch, Cocoa Krispies, Honey Smacks or Frosted Flakes.

Like the Campbell Reporter Facebook page for neighborhood news and conversation from Campbell and beyond.

“The menu is 75 percent bigger than it used to be,” noticed San Jose resident Jan Bartolotta, who worked as a car hop for Steak ’n Shake in Orlando, Florida, from 1970 to 1972 and has been eagerly awaiting this opening.

She was happy that one of her old faves, the cherry limeade, survived all the upgrades. Also making the cut after all these decades is the chili, available by the cup, bowl, on a frank or Cincinnati-style as a three-way or five-way with spaghetti. Customers can also buy cans of chili to go.

Bartolotta was dining at a weekend preview lunch the franchise offered to Campbell Heritage Theater volunteers, including her friend Cheryl Markman of San Jose, who sampled the Garlic Burger. “I’m looking forward to having breakfast,” Bartolotta said. “They didn’t have that back in the day.”

While this location will open at 10 a.m. every day, the breakfast menu and breakfast hours (7-10 a.m.) won’t be added until December or January.

Details: This Steak ’n Shake serves from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 501 E. Campbell Ave. Leder also owns the Daly City franchise, 362 E. Market St. At San Jose State University, Spartan Shops runs a smaller franchise for students with a limited menu; that counter is also open to the public. www.steaknshake.com

For more food and drink coverage

follow us on Flipboard.