In-N-Out Burger’s first Oregon restaurant is expected to open this month, officials told the Register.
9/8 update: The Irvine chain confirms that it will open Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The Medford location is a milestone for the Irvine-based chain, as it marks the burger institution’s entrance into a sixth state. In-N-Out operates 303 restaurants in California, Texas, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. The Medford store, in the works for a year, will be the 304th.
In-N-Out officials have not released a specific date for the opening, but local media reports are pegging the date close to Wednesday.
“We’re getting close,” In-N-Out executive Carl Van Fleet said.
Whatever the date, expect throngs to crowd the restaurant and its drive-through lanes – a typical scenario at most new In-N-Out restaurants.
The restaurant is about 150 miles from the next closest In-N-Out, in Redding.
The Medford location will be served by the chain’s Lathrop-based distribution center and beef patty plant, which supplies In-N-Out’s Northern California restaurants.
So, is Meford the first of many restaurants in Oregon?
“Right now we’re just opening this one,” said Van Fleet. “We have looked at a very few opportunities a little to the north of Medford but nothing concrete at this time.”
In 1948, Harry and Esther Snyder opened the first In-N-Out across the street from their Baldwin Park home. Esther managed the books. Harry ran the day-to-day operations. His discerning palate and unwillingness to cut corners laid the groundwork for a company that is known for its “gold standard” fast-food burgers.
The privately held company generates yearly sales of more than $500 million.
Contact the writer: nluna@ocregister.com
