Is In-N-Out Only In California?
With its fresh ingredients, secret menu, and famous Double-Double burgers, In-N-Out Burger has achieved an almost cult-like following since the first location opened its doors in Baldwin Park, California in 1948. For years, Californians bragged that the beloved fast food chain was an exclusively West Coast institution.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: No, In-N-Out is no longer only located in California. While the chain originated in California and remains headquartered in the state, it has expanded to locations in other western states since the 1990s, including Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll trace the history of In-N-Out’s geographic expansion over the decades. We’ll look at when the restaurant opened its first locations outside of California and the growth strategy that led it to other western states. We’ll also overview where you can find In-N-Out restaurants today and plans for future expansion.
View this post on Instagram
In-N-Out’s California Origins
When it comes to iconic fast food chains, few are as beloved and closely associated with a specific region as In-N-Out Burger is with California. In-N-Out was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, a suburb of Los Angeles.
From its humble beginnings as a simple drive-thru hamburger stand, In-N-Out has grown into a cultural phenomenon, with a loyal following across the state.
Founding and early years
Harry and Esther Snyder had a vision of providing customers with fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries, using only the highest quality ingredients. They believed in offering a simple menu with a focus on quality rather than quantity.
This philosophy still holds true today, with In-N-Out’s menu consisting of just a handful of items, including their famous Double-Double burger and Animal Style fries.
In-N-Out’s commitment to quality is evident in their sourcing practices. They use only fresh, never frozen, beef and their potatoes are peeled and cut in-house daily. This attention to detail sets them apart from many other fast food chains and has contributed to their loyal customer base.
View this post on Instagram
Focus on quality
One of the reasons In-N-Out has become so synonymous with California is their commitment to using local, fresh ingredients. They have maintained strong relationships with local farmers and suppliers, ensuring the freshest produce and highest quality ingredients are used in their food.
In addition to their emphasis on quality, In-N-Out has also become well-known for their dedication to customer service. Their employees, known as “associates,” are trained to provide friendly and efficient service, with a focus on making every customer’s experience a positive one.
In-N-Out’s success in California has led to expansion into other states, but the majority of their locations are still concentrated in their home state. While there are now In-N-Out restaurants in several other states, including Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas, the majority of their locations can still be found in California.
So, while In-N-Out has expanded beyond California’s borders, its origins and deep roots in the state continue to make it a beloved California institution. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a stop at In-N-Out is a must for any burger lover looking to experience a true taste of California.
View this post on Instagram
Expansion Outside California Begins
In-N-Out Burger, the beloved California-based fast food chain, has started its long-awaited expansion beyond the Golden State. After years of speculation and anticipation, the first In-N-Out restaurant outside California opened its doors in Nevada.
This marked a significant milestone for the popular burger joint and delighted fans who had been eagerly awaiting its arrival in their state.
First Nevada restaurant
The first In-N-Out restaurant outside California opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, to much excitement and fanfare. The iconic red and yellow signage adorned the building, signaling the arrival of the beloved chain to a new region.
The opening day saw long lines of enthusiastic customers, eager to taste the famous In-N-Out burgers, fries, and shakes.
The expansion into Nevada was a strategic move for In-N-Out, as the state shares a border with California and is a popular destination for Californians. This made it an ideal location for the company’s first venture outside its home state.
The success of the Nevada restaurant further fueled the company’s confidence in expanding to other neighboring states.
View this post on Instagram
Arizona follows
Building on the success of the Nevada restaurant, In-N-Out quickly set its sights on Arizona, another neighboring state. The company announced plans to open its first restaurant in the city of Phoenix, generating even more excitement among burger enthusiasts in the region.
This move solidified In-N-Out’s commitment to expanding its presence beyond California and signaled its intention to cater to fans in neighboring states.
The decision to expand into Arizona was a strategic one, as the state boasts a large population and a strong appetite for quality fast food. The opening of the first Arizona restaurant was met with great enthusiasm, with locals flocking to try the iconic In-N-Out menu items.
The success of the Arizona expansion further solidified In-N-Out’s reputation as a beloved fast food chain with a growing fanbase.
As In-N-Out continues its expansion outside California, fans across the country eagerly await news of further openings in their respective states. The company’s commitment to maintaining its high standards of quality and customer service ensures that each new location will provide the same exceptional dining experience that has made In-N-Out a California institution.
The Chain Spreads Further in the 2000s
After years of being exclusively located in California, In-N-Out Burger began expanding its reach in the early 2000s. This expansion allowed more people outside of California to experience the famous burgers and fries that had gained a cult-like following.
Two key milestones in this expansion were the arrival of In-N-Out in Utah and the addition of Texas locations.
Arrival in Utah
In 2008, In-N-Out Burger made its next foray outside of California by opening a location in Washington, Utah, a suburb of St. George. The arrival of In-N-Out in Utah was met with great excitement from residents who had heard about the chain’s delicious offerings and were eager to try them for themselves.
The store’s opening day saw long lines of eager customers, with some even camping out overnight to be among the first to taste the iconic burgers.
The success of the Washington location prompted In-N-Out to open more restaurants in Utah. with three new locations such as Draper, American Fork, and Orem. Over the years, the chain expanded its presence in the state, with locations now spanning from Salt Lake City to St. George.
In-N-Out has become a beloved fast-food option for Utahns, further solidifying its popularity outside of California.
Adding Texas locations
In 2011, In-N-Out Burger made another major move by opening its first locations in Texas. Initially starting with locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, In-N-Out quickly gained a dedicated following in the Lone Star State.
Texans were thrilled to finally have a taste of the legendary West Coast chain in their own backyard.
The arrival of In-N-Out in Texas sparked immense excitement and even caused some traffic congestion as fans flocked to the new restaurants. The chain’s commitment to quality and freshness, along with its secret menu options, quickly won over Texan burger enthusiasts.
Today, you can find multiple In-N-Out Burger locations throughout Texas, from Houston to San Antonio.
View this post on Instagram
Reaching the Pacific Northwest and Rockies
For years, In-N-Out Burger has been synonymous with California. However, the beloved fast-food chain has been steadily expanding its reach beyond the Golden State. With its growing popularity and cult-like following, In-N-Out has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of burger lovers in the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies.
Oregon Openings
One of the first steps in In-N-Out’s expansion beyond California was entering the neighboring state of Oregon. The first Oregon location opened its doors in 2015 in Medford, delighting residents who had long heard about the chain’s mouthwatering burgers and secret menu items.
Since then, In-N-Out has continued its expansion in Oregon, opening locations in cities like Grants Pass, Eugene, and Salem. Each new opening attracts lines of eager customers, eager to get a taste of the famous Double-Double or Animal Style fries.
Expanding to Colorado
The next frontier for In-N-Out Burger was the picturesque state of Colorado. In 2020, the first Colorado location opened in Colorado Springs and Aurora, just outside of Denver. The opening was met with incredible enthusiasm, with long lines forming and fans camping out overnight to be among the first to experience In-N-Out’s delicious offerings in the Centennial State.
Since then, additional locations have opened in Lone Tree, Lakewood, Thornton, and Castle Rock, further solidifying In-N-Out’s presence in the Rockies.
Did you know? In-N-Out Burger has plans to continue expanding eastward with first location being Nashville, Tennessee in 2026. The demand for their famous burgers and commitment to quality has made In-N-Out one of the most sought-after fast-food chains across the United States.
Current Locations and Future Plans
Where In-N-Out is today: In-N-Out Burger, the iconic fast food chain known for its delicious burgers and fresh ingredients, originated in California in 1948. Over the years, it has expanded its presence beyond the Golden State.
While the majority of its locations are still found in California, In-N-Out has made its way into a few other states as well. As of now, you can find In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, and Utah.
These locations outside of California have been met with great enthusiasm from burger lovers, who have eagerly embraced the brand’s arrival in their cities.
Upcoming expansions: In-N-Out Burger has gained a cult-like following, with fans eagerly awaiting its arrival in their hometowns. Fortunately for these eager patrons, In-N-Out has plans for future expansions.
While specific locations have not been announced, the company has expressed its desire to continue expanding beyond its current markets. This means that more states may get a taste of the famous In-N-Out burgers and fries in the near future.
It’s important to note that In-N-Out takes a deliberate and cautious approach to expansion, prioritizing quality and maintaining the consistency of their food and service. So, while the wait may be long for some, it’s all in the name of ensuring that every new location lives up to the high standards set by the original California restaurants.
Conclusion
While In-N-Out Burger started as a Southern California phenomenon, its reputation for fresh and delicious burgers led it to expand methodically across other western states starting in the 1990s. After over 70 years in business, In-N-Out maintains its focus on quality ingredients while providing its famous Double-Doubles and animal style fries to fans in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. With additional expansion planned, more Americans will get to experience the allure of In-N-Out’s simple but savory menu.
