In-N-Out Burger Expands with New Locations in California and Beyond
In-N-Out Burger, a cherished name in the fast-food industry, is set to grow its presence not only in California but also in several other states. This expansion includes the introduction of three new locations in California: Indio, Modesto, and Monrovia, all scheduled to open in 2025.
New Store Openings
These upcoming stores will join a previously announced location in Sylmar, California, as well as new entries in Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Notably, Washington will welcome In-N-Out for the first time. The company’s recent opening in Brighton, Colorado, marks the start of this ambitious expansion, as confirmed by spokesperson Kathleen Hardesty.
Construction and Future Plans
The remaining locations are currently under construction, with tentative plans to open later this year. Hardesty noted that the unpredictable nature of the development process makes specific opening dates hard to predict.
Current Operations
In-N-Out currently operates in eight states, with California being home to over two-thirds of its outlets. The growing pattern of expansion has been closely associated with areas experiencing significant population growth. Analyst Jim Salera from Stephens highlights that many of these new locations are strategically placed in regions like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, reflecting a pattern of domestic migration.
Strategic Growth
Salera clarified that the company is not abandoning California despite rising operational costs. Instead, this approach is seen as optimizing their footprint and preventing existing stores from competing against each other. This strategy mirrors the experiences of competitors like Shake Shack, which faced challenges in densely populated markets.
Engaging New Markets
Salera emphasized that targeting areas with existing customer bases, particularly expatriates from California, presents significant business opportunities. “It’s easier to sell to somebody who already knows you,” he explained, referring to the increases in sales potential among California natives relocating to various regions.
Historical Context
In-N-Out has been expanding beyond California since 1992, starting with its first outlet in Las Vegas. Plans for further eastward expansion will come to fruition with the opening of a few restaurants and an eastern territory office in Tennessee set for 2026.
Corporate Restructuring
This year also saw In-N-Out announce the closure of its corporate office in Orange County, where it had been based since 1994. Employees will be relocated to Baldwin Park, the original site of the chain’s first drive-through restaurant in the 1940s. Owner Lynsi Snyder expressed support for this consolidation, emphasizing its positive effects on operational cohesion and customer service.
List of New Locations
The newly announced In-N-Out locations are as follows:
- Indio, Calif.: 82177 Ave. 42
- Modesto, Calif.: 3401 Oakdale Road
- Monrovia, Calif.: 560 W. Huntington Drive
- Sylmar, Calif.: 13864 Foothill Blvd.
- Surprise, Ariz.: 16440 W. Cactus Road
- Brighton, Colo.: 3860 Eagle Blvd.
- Ridgefield, Wash.: 5801 Pioneer Canyon Drive
As In-N-Out Burger continues to carve its niche in both its original market and new territories, its strategic expansion reflects broader trends within the food service industry.