In-N-Out Burger (Seattle, Renton: appointed, living, stores)

[Citislicker]

One thing I miss about living on west coast is this burger. When will Seattle area get some of those stores? Any tips?

[VeronikaW]

Since In-N-Out is not a franchise, it's still family owned, I'm guessing they may never come this far north, and if they do, it may be quite a while. I was just in CA and enjoyed some In-N-Out while there. Yum.

[pw72]

In-N-Out is a true regional chain, with little expansion beyond California, Arizona, and SW Nevada. The management has always taken the approach that fresh ingredients are important, and the stores needed to be within their Southern California distribution center.

But, wait, there's more.

Some of the principle players have died off, but some of the family that still controls the stores have some new ideas. There are definitely changes afoot. Recently, the chain expanded into SW Utah (not a big stretch), but now they are going full-force into the Salt Lake City area.

What this means for the rest of the west is unknown. I would guess that new distribution centers will be the key. When you see those, then expansion will most likely continue. This is definitely a cliff-hanger that will play out between now and 2012. My educated guess is we will see new outlets, perhaps franchises, in most of the west. Nationwide, a longshot.

[iskray917]

No signs of them yet. And as a native San Diegan, I am disappointed.

[nikdahl]

There are better burger places in Seattle. In-N-Out is way overrated.

[Gentoo]

Not to go off topic but I didn't think this deserves it's own thread. Now that I know there are no In-&-Out's in Seattle, are there any Carl's Jr's? I couldn't find one when I was there.

[Ira500]

There's a Carl's Jr in Renton, on NE 4th St.

[SonicsFan93]

We're kinda fond of Dick's Drive In and Burgermaster, our local chains. Maybe someday In N Out burger comes out here.

[pw72]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

Not to go off topic but I didn't think this deserves it's own thread. Now that I know there are no In-&-Out's in Seattle, are there any Carl's Jr's? I couldn't find one when I was there.

Yeah, I think it deserves a thread. In 'n Out has a cult following, so any expansion rumors are newsworthy.

As for Carl's Jr, there are scores of locations in Washington, some close to Seattle. Also, it should be noted that Carl's Jr is now essntially the same as Hardee's, (same parent company) with a slightly different menu. Combining the two covers much of the U.S.

I agree, Dick's is the "In 'n Out" of Seattle. However, quite different brands. In 'n Out is a drive-thru with picnic areas, secret menu items, and a national reputation despite being a regional chain. "Dick's" is popular within Seattle, but it ends there. And probably will stay there. Which is fine. In 'n Out could be in many more markets within the next decade, which, to me, would diminish the brand. The best brands are hard to to access, and that alone makes them more appealing.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by pw72

Yeah, I think it deserves a thread. In 'n Out has a cult following, so any expansion rumors are newsworthy.

As for Carl's Jr, there are scores of locations in Washington, some close to Seattle. Also, it should be noted that Carl's Jr is now essntially the same as Hardee's, (same parent company) with a slightly different menu. Combining the two covers much of the U.S.

I agree, Dick's is the "In 'n Out" of Seattle. However, quite different brands. In 'n Out is a drive-thru with picnic areas, secret menu items, and a national reputation despite being a regional chain. "Dick's" is popular within Seattle, but it ends there. And probably will stay there. Which is fine. In 'n Out could be in many more markets within the next decade, which, to me, would diminish the brand. The best brands are hard to to access, and that alone makes them more appealing.

I have to agree with you there. Once these things become too big, they lose quality.