In-N-Out Burger, the iconic West Coast fast-food chain, is setting the stage to make its long-awaited debut in Portland with an application to open a restaurant at 11270 N.E. Holman St., a stone's throw from Portland International Airport. This scoop was first reported by the Portland Business Journal, a news partner of KGW. Plans found on PortlandMaps reveal the fast food company's intention to establish a new outpost in a locale known for an array of dining options.
While the fast-food fanfare is palpable among potential patrons, In-N-Out has to still navigate through the municipal mechanisms before setting up shop. The company has arranged to meet Portland officials on January 30, aiming to discuss the potential impact and planning specifics, according to Ken Ray, Portland's spokesperson for Permitting & Development. This information comes from The Oregonian, which noted that In-N-Out did not immediately respond to their inquiries for further comments.
The move by In-N-Out to venture into Portland follows a previously thwarted attempt in Beaverton, where concerns about infamous long drive-thru lines initially stalled the brand's advance. However, Beaverton eventually extended a green light to the burger chain earlier last year, sparking a new wave of anticipation that Portland might soon follow suit. "Don't get me wrong, I prefer shorter lines, but it is what it is," a resident, Stennet, conveyed to KATU News reflecting a sentiment shared by many eagerly awaiting the arrival of the popular eatery.
Moreover, In-N-Out is further expanding its Pacific Northwest footprint with a location already underway in Ridgefield, Washington, slated to open later this year. The company's gradual proliferation in the region demonstrates a strategic yet cautious approach to introducing its brand in new markets, where demand is high but operational challenges such as crowd control and traffic considerations must be effectively addressed. Despite these challenges, fans of the brand eagerly anticipate their chance to grab a Double-Double closer to home, as Portland potentially prepares to say "animal style" hello to its very first In-N-Out Burger.
