International sports fans didn't just come to California for the soccer. As the World Cup took over stadiums in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, thousands of visitors made an unexpected detour. They bypassed traditional sit-down diners and high-end hotel restaurants. Instead, they swarmed three specific grocery and fast-food chains that define the modern California experience: In-N-Out Burger, Erewhon, and Trader Joe's.
It sounds wild. People flew thousands of miles to watch world-class athletes, only to spend their free mornings hunting down viral grocery items and cheap burgers. But this food pilgrimage highlights a massive shift in how global travelers consume local culture. Social media flattened the culinary map long before these fans boarded their planes. Visitors arrived with highly specific shopping lists shaped entirely by TikTok feeds and Instagram reels.
Seeing European football fans in jerseys standing in line next to LA influencers holding $20 smoothies became the norm. This intersection of global sports culture and regional California retail created a unique phenomenon. Let's look at why these three specific spots became essential cultural stops for the World Cup crowd, and what it says about modern travel trends.
The affordable cult classic of the West Coast
You can't talk about California food without mentioning In-N-Out Burger. For decades, the white-and-red drive-thrus with the yellow arrow have served as the ultimate welcoming committee for out-of-state visitors. During the tournament, the locations near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and LAX saw unprecedented foot traffic.
International fans wanted to test the internet hype for themselves. The appeal is straightforward. In-N-Out represents a nostalgic, unpretentious slice of Americana that remains fiercely regional. Unlike McDonald's or Burger King, you cannot find an In-N-Out in London, Tokyo, or Berlin. It feels exclusive despite its low price point.
Many fans learned the hard way that the standard menu is only half the story. The real experience requires ordering off the unwritten secret menu. For someone visiting from South America or Europe, the concept of ordering a burger animal style—smothered in mustard-cooked beef, grilled onions, and extra spread—feels like joining an exclusive club.
The price also drove the frenzy. In an era where a basic meal in a major tournament host city can easily clear $30, a fresh, made-to-order Double-Double remains a massive bargain. It gave budget-conscious fans a way to participate in local culture without draining their wallets before the match even started.
High fashion grocery shopping at Erewhon
On the complete opposite end of the financial spectrum sits Erewhon. The luxury organic grocer became an ironic tourist hotspot for traveling fans looking to witness the extremes of Southern California wealth.
Nobody goes to Erewhon just to buy a banana. They go to see the spectacle. For international visitors, the store functions less like a grocery shop and more like a living museum of internet culture. The main draw for the World Cup crowd was the hot bar and the famous, hyper-expensive celebrity collaboration smoothies.
Spending $20 on a single drink filled with sea moss gel and collagen seems absurd to the average sports fan. That absurdity is exactly why they went. It became a badge of honor to post a photo holding a pastel-colored smoothie with the Erewhon logo visible. It offered a direct window into the hyper-wellness lifestyle of wealthy Californians.
The crowds proved that travel motivation has shifted. People want to touch the things they see on their screens. Visiting Erewhon allowed international fans to step inside a viral meme, even if they walked out shaking their heads at the price of raw coconut water.
Trader Joes serves as the ultimate souvenir shop
While Erewhon provided the shock value, Trader Joe's provided the practical goods. The quirky grocery chain became the designated souvenir headquarters for visiting soccer crowds.
International travelers quickly discovered that traditional gift shops selling plastic keychains and postcards are a waste of money. Instead, they filled their luggage with items unique to Trader Joe's. The Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend became an incredibly hot commodity, with fans buying jars by the dozen to take back home to countries where the flavor profile is nonexistent.
Dark chocolate peanut butter cups, chili lime rolled tortilla chips, and seasonal cookie butter filled the hotel rooms of traveling supporters. The store offers a distinct flavor of American snack innovation that feels accessible and fun.
The mini canvas tote bags also caused a stir. These cheap bags achieved global mythic status online over the past couple of years. Finding them in stock felt like winning a mini lottery for fans who wanted a subtle, functional piece of California branding to bring back to their home countries.
How to navigate the California retail food scene
If you want to experience these spots like a seasoned local rather than a lost tourist, you need a strategy. The lines can destroy your day if your timing is wrong.
First, avoid In-N-Out during prime lunch and dinner rushes. Hit the drive-thru or walk-in counter around 2:30 PM or after 10:00 PM. The food will be just as fresh, and you won't waste an hour waiting for a parking spot. Always order the fries well done if you want them crispy, as the standard cut tends to go soggy fast.
Second, don't waste your entire budget at Erewhon. Go for a single specific item like the tonic bar smoothies or the buffalo cauliflower from the hot bar. Grab your food and head to a nearby park to people-watch. Treat it as entertainment expenses rather than a standard grocery run.
Finally, when you hit Trader Joe's, skip the standard groceries you can get anywhere. Focus entirely on the private-label snacks, spices, and dried fruits. Look for the rows of unique seasoning blends near the baking aisle. Those are the items that make incredible, lightweight gifts for friends back home.
Skip the generic airport duty-free shops on your way out. The real cultural artifacts of modern California are found in the grocery aisles and fast-food wrappers.
