In-N-Out Burger adds three new California locations to list of 2025 openings

Los Angeles Times - May 10th, 2025

In-N-Out Burger is set to significantly expand its presence with new locations in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Three new California spots in Indio, Modesto, and Monrovia are slated for 2025 openings, along with additional sites in Sylmar, California, and the company's first in Washington state. The expansion includes a new restaurant in Brighton, Colorado, which opened recently. According to spokesperson Kathleen Hardesty, other locations are under construction, although specific opening dates remain undetermined due to development unpredictability.

The expansion strategy targets high population growth areas both within and outside of California, a plan that aligns with demographic shifts observed by restaurant industry analyst Jim Salera. This move is not an escape from California's rising labor and operational costs but an optimization tactic to prevent internal market cannibalization. The strategy leverages the familiarity of California expats in states like Arizona and Tennessee, where In-N-Out will open a new territory office by 2026. The expansion is part of a broader plan that includes relocating the corporate office to Baldwin Park to consolidate operations and enhance customer service, reflecting the company's deep-rooted family values and growth-oriented vision.

Washington In N Out Burger California Arizona Colorado Restaurant Expansion Lynsi Snyder

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of In-N-Out Burger's expansion plans, supported by credible sources and clear presentation. It accurately captures the company's strategy and market motivations, making it a reliable source of information for readers interested in business trends. The story is balanced and timely, with a focus on public interest and potential economic impacts. However, it could enhance its depth by including more diverse perspectives and specific opening dates for new locations. Overall, the article is well-structured and engaging, offering valuable insights into a popular brand's growth strategy.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports In-N-Out Burger's expansion plans, including the specific locations in California and other states like Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. The mention of the Brighton, Colorado location already being open aligns with factual sources. However, while the story provides detailed addresses for new locations, the exact opening dates are not specified, which is acknowledged as part of the development process's unpredictability. Thus, while the core facts are correct, the lack of specific opening dates could be an area needing further verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of In-N-Out's expansion strategy, including reasons for the expansion and its impact. It quotes both a company spokesperson and an industry analyst, providing insights into the company's motivations and market trends. However, the article could include more perspectives, such as those from local business owners or consumers in the areas affected by the new openings, to offer a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is clear and well-structured, making it easy for readers to understand the key points about In-N-Out's expansion. The information is logically presented, with a straightforward narrative that guides the reader through the company's plans and strategic motivations. The language is neutral and accessible, contributing to a high level of clarity.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including a spokesperson from In-N-Out and a restaurant industry analyst. These sources provide authority and reliability to the claims made about the company's expansion strategy. However, the article could benefit from additional sources, such as local government officials or economic experts, to further substantiate the claims about market trends and the impact of new store openings.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, quoting both a company spokesperson and an industry analyst. It clearly states the limitations regarding the unpredictability of construction timelines, which adds to its transparency. However, it could improve by providing more context about the methodology used to determine the expansion strategy and its potential impacts.