In-N-Out Burger is excited to make its way into the state of Washington, as confirmed by the company to USA TODAY on Friday. This move marks a significant step in their expansion plans.

Having successfully established its presence in Oregon for almost a decade, In-N-Out recently made its debut in Idaho back in December, according to previous reports by USA TODAY.

Following its foray into Idaho, the company wasted no time in filing a development application for a new location in Washington. Mike Abbate, the vice president of store development at In-N-Out, mentioned that while the process is in its early stages, the company is eager to move forward.

The designated city for the upcoming site is Ridgefield, situated just north of Vancouver in Clark County. Once the building permit is secured, construction is expected to take approximately eight to nine months. Despite this timeline, an official opening date has not been disclosed.

In navigating the regulatory landscape, In-N-Out remains optimistic about the journey ahead. Abbate expressed hope for a favorable outcome as the company collaborates with the city to secure the required permits and approvals.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

Navigating the legal nuances and requirements involved in opening a new location, especially across state lines, can be a complex and time-consuming process. AI legalese decoder offers artificial intelligence-powered solutions to streamline the legal review process, ensuring that documentation and applications are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. By leveraging this technology, In-N-Out Burger can expedite the approval process and facilitate a smoother expansion into Washington State.

City Response to In-N-Out’s Arrival

Ridgefield is actively collaborating with In-N-Out to guarantee the creation of adequate queueing spaces to prevent traffic congestion and to ensure that the building design aligns with the city’s standards. City Manager Steve Stuart emphasized the importance of maintaining a unique, high-quality structure that complements Ridgefield’s aesthetic.

In another encounter with regulatory authorities, In-N-Out faced a setback in its attempt to enter the Portland market in 2022, resulting in an appeal from the company.

In-N-Out’s Expansion Update: Customers in Idaho experience up to 8-hour waits in the drive-thru line

Upcoming In-N-Out Locations

Apart from Washington, In-N-Out is gearing up to open two new stores in Southern California – one in Redlands and the other in Sylmar, as reported previously by USA TODAY.

Moreover, the company has announced plans to expand its footprint to New Mexico in the near future. While specific details regarding the location and opening date remain undisclosed, In-N-Out aims to establish a presence by 2027, as indicated in an Instagram post.

Future In-N-Out Expansion Locations

• 1860 South Milton Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
• 1977 N. 1200 W. Layton, UT 84041
• 3520 City Blvd E. Orange, CA 92868
• 1700 East Ventura Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93036
• 1301 W. Lugonia Ave. Redlands, CA 92373
• 13864 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar, CA 91342

James Powel contributed to this reporting.