In-N-Out Burger, the iconic California-based burger chain, is making its way to Washington state. The company has recently filed a development application for its first location in Ridgefield, just north of Vancouver. This move marks an exciting expansion for In-N-Out, as Washington is the only state in the Pacific Northwest that does not currently have an In-N-Out restaurant.
While In-N-Out has been serving up its famous burgers in Oregon for nearly a decade, it only expanded into Idaho in December of last year. Following its success in Idaho, the company wasted no time in setting its sights on Washington. Mike Abbate, the vice president of store development at In-N-Out, confirmed the news, stating, “However, it is still very early in the development process.”
Ridgefield has been chosen as the target city for the new In-N-Out location. Located in Clark County, just north of Vancouver, Ridgefield offers a strategic location for the burger chain’s expansion plans. Once the building permit is in place, construction is expected to take around eight to nine months. However, an official opening date has not yet been announced.
In-N-Out is optimistic about its prospects in Ridgefield and is working closely with the city to obtain the necessary permits and approvals. City Manager Steve Stuart expressed his enthusiasm for the new development, stating that Ridgefield is ensuring that In-N-Out creates enough queuing spaces to avoid traffic congestion and that the design of the building aligns with the city’s aesthetic standards. The goal is to create a unique and high-quality establishment that complements Ridgefield’s charm.
This expansion into Washington comes after In-N-Out faced a setback in its plans to enter the Portland area. The outlet reported that the company’s efforts were denied in 2022. However, In-N-Out has filed an appeal and remains determined to bring its delicious burgers to Portland.
In addition to its expansion into Washington, In-N-Out has exciting plans for other locations as well. Two new stores will be opening in the company’s Southern California backyard, with one in Redlands and another in Sylmar. Furthermore, In-N-Out recently announced its intention to expand to New Mexico, although specific details regarding the location and opening date have not been disclosed. The company hopes to establish a presence in New Mexico by 2027, according to an Instagram post.
Looking ahead, In-N-Out has already identified several future locations for expansion. These include Flagstaff, Arizona; Layton, Utah; Orange, California; Oxnard, California; and Redlands, California. With its continued growth plans, In-N-Out is poised to bring its beloved burgers to even more hungry customers across the country.
In conclusion, In-N-Out Burger’s filing of a development application for its first Washington location in Ridgefield marks an exciting milestone for the popular burger chain. As the company expands its reach into new territories, it remains committed to delivering high-quality food and maintaining its unique brand identity. With its iconic menu and loyal fan base, In-N-Out is set to make a lasting impression in Washington and beyond.