In-N-Out Burger is set to open later this morning its first eatery outside of California, Arizona and Nevada, the company said.
The Irvine chain, known for its slow growth policy, hasn’t opened a restaurant in a new state since it debuted in Arizona eight years ago.
Anticipation for the Washington City, Utah restaurant has had locals talking for months — if not years. No doubt hundreds of Utah residents will flock to the eatery’s opening today.
“It’s a strong opening, everything is smooth with a good but not overwhelming crowd,” In-N-Out executive Carl Van Fleet later told me via email after the store opened. “The last time we opened in a new state was Arizona in 2000.”*
Maven reader Bob said he hit an opening party for the place last night. Here’s his review:
“Just ate at the In-n-Out in Washington City last night for their private party. It was good, but still think Marv’s is just as good if not better. “
Eek. Someone set Bob straight. I don’t know a thing about Marv’s — but unless the joint is serving thick juicy Angus or Kobe burgers — I can’t imagine how it can beat an In-N-Out burger.
*Updated 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to include comment from Carl Van Fleet.
- Read what LA Observed’s Mark Lacter has to say on the INO move.
In-N-Out animal burger is my favorite. But when it comes to chili burger, my fave is from a hole-in-the-wall called El Comedor on Bristol in Santa Ana. 1/4 lb chargrilled burger, american cheese, beefy ground meat chili on both sides of the bun! comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle and fresh diced onions. Yum. $3.95.
I had my first In-N Out Hamburger in Baldwin Park, Calif in 1948. The meat was freshly ground, the tomato was firm and juicy, the lettuce was fresh and crispy and the bun was warm. The french fries were hot and had just been prepared at the site. Fast forward sixty years. Yesterday, along with a multitude of other patrons, I had my first hamburger in Washington, Utah. Nothing had changed and therein lies the secret of In-N-Out. Except for the addition of Malted Milks, the menu has not changed one iota in the sixty years. In-N-Out is in the hamburger business and no one comes close. Prior to the opening of In-N-Out, I tried a Marvs Hamburger which had recently opened. The difference between Marvs and In-N-Out is that Marvs is in the Restaurant business. Based on taste, I would swear that the meat in the hamburger was frozen and I am quite positive that the fries came out of a bag. This is unheard of at any In-N-Out sites. One thing you can be sure of is that every element of an In-N-Out Hamburger is fresh, and yes, “thats what a Hamburger is all about”
And that is because “Bob” is a boob.
I wish we could get a couple IN-N-Out stands here in Seattle. I went once in Northern California and it reminded me how good McDonald’s tasted 40 years ago.
We could also use a Chic-Filet, Popeye’s, Carl’s Jr., Sonic, and a lot of other restaurants we see commercials for on cable, but can’t go because they aren’t here.
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