In-N-Out Burger, a name well-known in the fast food industry, has officially opened its first location in Idaho, marking a significant moment for burger enthusiasts.
The opening day has arrived after a three-year wait since the initial announcement. This much-awaited event occurs on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at a large, newly constructed building in Meridian, located at 3520 E. Fairview Ave. in The Village at Meridian.
Long queues are expected as locals flock to experience the famed Double-Double cheeseburger and other popular items from the menu.
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In-N-Out Opens First Idaho Location with Veteran Manager
The newly trained staff at this location are gearing up for a busy start. In-N-Out, renowned in California for 75 years, has grown beyond being just a burger chain; it's a cultural icon. The opening in Idaho introduces this beloved brand to a new region, adding a significant chapter to its history.
Valene Henriquez, who has worked at In-N-Out for 23 years, has been identified as the manager of the new location. The business will hire about 80 In-N-Out Burger Associates and pay them $17.50 an hour. With one drive-thru lane, 84 seats inside, and a covered patio for 32 people, the business can accommodate all its customers.
The store is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 1:30 a.m.
Residents who live in Idaho, even those who aren't from California, can personalize their orders by asking for things like "mustard-grilled" burgers, chopped chili, or hand-cut fries cooked in a certain way.
Some fast-food chains have shrunk in Meridian over the past few years, but In-N-Out Burger is still in large numbers. One of In-N-Out's main strengths is that the restaurant can quickly handle many orders.
The drive-thru is also made to take long lines of cars to serve customers from both Idaho and California.
Meridian's In-N-Out is just one of three coming soon to our area. There's a plan for a Boise location at 140 N Milwaukee St., close to Boise Towne Square Mall.
Additionally, earlier this year, they applied to build one in Nampa. If approved, it will be at 16225 N. Marketplace Blvd., where TGI Fridays used to be in the Treasure Valley Marketplace.
Idaho's In-N-Out Debut: Special Traffic Arrangements
The Ada County Highway District is also prepared for the restaurant's opening and the expected significant traffic. The district is ready for the increase because they learned from what happened when the chain opened in Aurora, Colorado, in 2020, and there were drive-thru lines that went on for more than 12 hours.
Rachel Bjornestad, a spokesperson for ACHD, stated that they are being proactive by saying, "Yes, we are preparing." The diner and the Idaho Transportation Department have been invited to meet with ACHD. She noted that ACHD would be in charge of signal timing, which they always do for significant events, and could make changes from afar if necessary.
But Bjornestad made it clear that traffic is expected despite their attempts. Even though signal time is significant, it only affects the road. The kitchen and The Village will take care of much of the planning.
Additionally, ACHD asks people not to block traffic or stop in the middle of the road while they wait or try to join the line.
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