In-N-Out is expanding into another new state but there’s a catch

Legendary fast-food chain In-N-Out is set to make the move into another US state as long as they can clear some red tape.

In-N-Out had long been a California staple with its famous animal-style fries and burgers conjuring a cult customer base. Word-of-mouth shout-outs praising the restaurant from the likes of the Kardashians and The Marvels’ Brie Larson have seen the chain explode in popularity in recent years.

This has caused a rapid expansion by In-N-Out into new territories and a new restaurant opening usually results in a bit of a rush. The most recent franchise debut in Idaho caused an eight-hour line in its drive-thru.

Now In-N-Out looks to continue that expansion into the State of Washington but the company may have to wait. The company is still waiting for the city of Ridgefield to approve a development permit.

Took the director of FFVII REBIRTH @nhamaguc to In-N-Out for his first time and he … loved it!

Happy launch week, everyone! 🍔 🗡️ pic.twitter.com/AntObMHieb

— Chad(ley) Concelmo (@Chad_Concelmo) February 26, 2024

In-N-Out’s popularity knows no bounds.

In-N-Out spokesperson Mike Abbate has commented publicly saying the deal is still “very early in the development process”. According to Abbate, construction of the restaurant could take between eight and nine months following any approval.

The reason for the delay appears to be to ensure that Ridgefield is able to accommodate the potential rush for the first In-N-Out in the State of Washington. It looks like news of the Idaho incident reached the city council.

In an interview with KOIN-TV, Ridgefield’s City Planner Steve Stuart revealed that Ridgefield was “working closely with In-N-Out to ensure they are not only creating enough queuing spaces to avoid backups onto roads, but also that the design of the building will be unique, high-quality, and complimentary to Ridgefield”.

Here’s hoping that the residents of Ridgefield and the employees of the newly-opened In-N-Out aren’t too hampered by what may be an eventful opening.

If approved, the Ridgefield In-N-Out will be the chain’s 418th location with stores now spread across nine states.

In-N-Out currently has restaurants in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado.