Nearly six years after entering Texas, Irvine-based In-N-Out Burger Jestbahis has 32 restaurants in three major Lone Star markets: Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Now the Southern California burger institution has its eye on Houston. Citing a local real estate firm, the Houston Chronicle said In-N-Out is exploring the purchase of a Houston location. No other details were offered.
Carl Van Fleet, vice president of development, told the Register the chain is scouting Houston, as well as other markets as it continues to grow its presence in the state.
“While it’s true we are evaluating additional opportunities in Texas, including Houston, we are still in the very, very early stages of that process. It would be extremely premature to speculate when or even if we will open a restaurant there,” Van Fleet said in an email.
In-N-Out’s limited-menu of burgers, fresh-cut fries and shakes has earned it a cult-like following for decades. It’s fans range from Hollywood elite to always hungry high schoolers. The chain, which has grown to 321 locations, is consistently ranked as one of the most favored fast food brands by consumers.
For years, In-N-Out has steadfastly remained a regional chain despite having a legion of coast-to-coast cravers begging for expansion outside its core Western market. When it opened its first two restaurants in Texas in May 2011, it was a major milestone for the brand. To ensure quality in Texas, In-N-Out built a second meat commissary in the state.
Today, Texas is home to 32 In-N-Out restaurants with two more locations opening soon in Denton and San Antonio, according to its website. After expanding to Texas, In-N-Out created more growth buzz in 2105 when it entered a sixth state, Oregon.
Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com
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