In-N-Out’s Portland-Area Expansion Plans, Explained

For the first 40 years of its existence, In-N-Out was a uniquely Californian phenomenon: The chain, known for its Double-Double burgers and no-longer-secret menu, originally stuck exclusively to California, not wanting to compromise its strict no-freezer commitment. However, in the 1990s, In-N-Out opened its first out-of-state location in Nevada, and entered Oregon in 2015 with the opening of its Medford store.

In-N-Out has tried to open a Portland area spot for years, with little success: Since the company first started scoping out potential locations, neighbors have communicated fear of potential traffic jams. However, it appears the Portland area may soon be home to not one, not two, but three In-N-Outs opening in the coming months (or years). Below, we dig into the upcoming locations slated for the suburbs, the wrenches thrown into previous plans, and when we should expect to learn more.

Where would the new Portland-area In-N-Outs open?

Over the last few months, it seems In-N-Out has set its sights farther north than its previously proposed locations. In late February, Seattle-area TV station King 5 reported that In-N-Out is eyeing a location in Ridgefield, Washington, about 30 minutes from downtown Portland in Union Ridge Town Center; it would be the company’s first location to open in Washington state. A Instagram post on the company’s official account confirmed plans to open in Southwestern Washington “by 2025.” Then, in late April, the Columbian spotted pre-planning documents that suggests In-N-Out will open an East Vancouver location as well at 13511 S.E. Third Way, off Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard. The East Vancouver location would have around 84 seats indoors, plus a drive-thru.

That doesn’t mean the company has abandoned its potential Portland-area restaurants within Oregon. Despite some previous pushback from local residents, Washington County conditionally approved an application for a location at 10565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. The location would have a drive-thru and outdoor seating, according to Washington County; In-N-Out spokespeople have consistently said that openings come about eight to nine months after permits are approved, which could place this location’s opening around early 2025. However, the Oregon locations have hit consistent roadblocks historically, which may slow that process.

What has slowed the openings of other Portland-area In-N-Out locations?

In 2020, In-N-Out began scouting locations in the Portland area, particularly near Beaverton and Tualatin. However, local interest in a neighborhood Animal Style burger was mixed: In community meetings and public hearings, residents shared concerns surrounding traffic congestion and access for emergency vehicles. In its early days, the Keizer location’s lines were long enough to spill into the turn lane on Keizer Station Boulevard.

In 2022, Washington County denied the company’s application for a Beaverton-Hillsboro Highway location. It’s worth noting, however, that the county didn’t deny the application because of the public comments, but because of land use issues. The company appealed the decision, and the county approved the new permit — as long as the company files for a few more permits before construction begins.

What’s next?

The Oregonian speculates that the Ridgefield location will be the first to open, based on the company’s loose timelines and the current permit process. However, Mike Abbate, the vice president of store development at In-N-Out, is hesitant to provide any specific deadlines or details at this stage of the pre-development process. “We’re very grateful for the wonderful support that we’ve received from our greater Portland area customers,” Abbate says in a statement, “and we remain excited about the prospect of opening stores within their respective communities.”

Updated Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 4:57 p.m.: This story has been updated to include comment from Mike Abbate.