In-N-Out Is Making a Rare Move East With Several New Locations

By Ghuman

Introduction

In-N-Out Burger, the beloved West Coast fast-food chain, is making a rare move east with several new locations. After decades of staying firmly rooted in the western United States, the chain is finally expanding to the East Coast. This move is sure to excite fans of the chain, who have longed for the chance to enjoy the classic burgers and fries that In-N-Out is known for. The new locations will be located in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and will offer the same menu items that have made In-N-Out a favorite for generations. With the addition of these new locations, In-N-Out is sure to become a favorite of East Coast residents as well.

In-N-Out Is Making a Rare Move East With Several New Locations

In-N-Out Burger, the beloved West Coast fast-food chain, is making a rare move east. The company announced plans to open several new locations in the eastern United States, including one in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The move marks a major shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on the West Coast. In-N-Out has been a staple of California culture since 1948, when it opened its first location in Baldwin Park. Since then, the chain has expanded to more than 300 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas.

The new locations will be the first In-N-Out restaurants in the eastern United States. The company has not yet announced the exact locations of the new restaurants, but they are expected to open in the next few years.

In-N-Out is known for its simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. The chain is also famous for its secret menu, which includes items such as the “Animal Style” burger and the “Flying Dutchman.”

The move east is a major step for the company, which has long been a favorite of West Coast residents. It remains to be seen if the chain will be able to replicate its success in the eastern United States.

If you grew up on the East Coast, or call the Midwest home, In-N-Out Burger has always been shrouded in a little bit of mystery. The California-based burger chain even features a (not-s0-secret) secret menu! Considered a West Coast institution, In-N-Out Burger has never expanded east of Texas—but it looks like that will finally change in the years to come. The iconic brand announced plans this week to begin opening restaurants in the Nashville, Tennessee area starting in 2026.

In-N-Out’s very first eastern U.S. territory office will also be built in nearby Franklin, Tennessee. Construction is slated to begin in 2024, and upon completion, the 100,000-square-foot office will house numerous support departments like IT and human resources.

These newly announced expansion plans signify a major shift in the chain’s prior reluctance to enter East Coast markets. The burger chain currently operates 385 locations in seven states: California, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas.

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“We are very excited to provide Tennesseans with our quality burgers, fries, and shakes,” Lynsi Snyder, In-N-Out’s owner and president, said in a statement. Lynsi’s grandparents, Harry and Esther Snyder, opened the first In-N-Out drive-thru restaurant in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California.

“In every decision I make, I always consider what my family would want,” she continued. “I have no doubt that my grandparents, dad, and uncle would be proud of this decision to grow our Associate family and serve even more amazing customers beginning in Nashville and the surrounding areas.”

Two in-n-out burger meals on a tray
Jemia B/Yelp

Why has it taken so long for In-N-Out to move out east? Freshness is a top priority for the brand. In-N-Out refuses to use frozen beef or french fries. That’s a policy that every customer can appreciate, but it’s also limited the chain somewhat when it comes to expansion. All locations must be within 300 miles of one of their patty-making meat distribution centers, currently located in only two states: California and Texas.

Per Snyder, the Tennessee locations tentatively planned for 2026 will be supported by In-N-Out’s meat production facility in Lancaster, Texas.

“While we are focused on Tennessee at this time, knowing we’ll be delivering from our warehouse in Texas, there is a path that crosses a few other states that could be in our future,” Snyder told Restaurant Business in an email. A quick glance at a map of the USA suggests she may be hinting at further In-N-Out expansion across states like Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Mississippi in the years to come.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, meanwhile, has hailed the burger chain’s decision as a boon to the local economy. In a statement, he called In-N-Out’s expansion plans a $125 million investment that will bring over 275 new jobs to the area. “It’s a life-changing decision. It’s exciting for our state,” he added.

It’s hard to see this news as anything other than a W for taste buds all over the USA. If In-N-Out’s Tennessee expansion is a success (and why wouldn’t it be?), it may not be long before new locations start appearing all over the East Coast and Midwest.

John Anderer

John Anderer is a writer who specializes in science, health, and lifestyle topics. Read more about John