Initially, In-N-Out Burger is focusing its expansion on Dallas-Fort Worth, according to Van Fleet. However, he adds that Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are “all great areas and will provide us with many growth opportunities in the future.” He adds: “The markets in Texas are big enough and there are so many opportunities that we believe there is ample room for our concept there.”

In-N-Out Burger’s Texas expansion plans have been in the works for nearly two years, according to local sources. “Lease negotiations with In-N-Out Burger have been in the works for months,” says Kirk Williams, Cypress Equities’ senior vice president of development. “It has been a challenge to keep the exciting news quiet.”

The chain will employ approximately 55 to 65 people at its first Texas store. On average, In-N-Out Burger restaurants are 3,400 square feet and situated on one-acre lots.

Known for its never-changing, simple menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, fountain drinks and three flavors of real ice cream shakes, In-N-Out Burger is a family-owned company that got its start in 1948 in Southern California. In addition to Texas, the chain has stores in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.

The chain’s growth depends on its ability to service its stores with freshly ground beef patties. When entering a new market, In-N-Out Burger also establishes its own commissary and distribution center.

“We will be making our own hamburger patties in Dallas, and we haven’t yet finalized that location,” Van Fleet says. “We will likely lease space for a commissary and distribution center while our permanent home is being located and built. We’re looking in the Dallas area for both the leased space, as well as our permanent home.”