Idahoans waited a long time for the state’s first In-N-Out burger restaurant, but on opening day last week, a sign at the shop warned they might have to wait a little longer: eight hours longer, to be exact. Thankfully that didn’t occur.
The wait for the drive-in line was around six hours and for those ordering in-store about two hours, according to company officials.
Still, according to local media, some set up tents and camped out in line, wanting to be one of the first customers as the Irvine-based California chain opened its 400th location in Meridian, Idaho, Dec. 12.
One couple who moved from Los Angeles about a year ago arrived at 9 a.m. opening day and waited for over 2 ½ hours before nearing their turn to order, the Idaho Statesman newspaper reported.
An official from In-N-Out told the Idaho State Journal, a daily newspaper covering southeast Idaho, that wait times for the drive-thru peaked at around six hours, reducing to three to four hours by mid-afternoon.
Some customers told local media they appreciated the burger joint for including bible verses on its packaging, such as Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding,” on milkshake cups, according to the statesman.
Since the company’s first location in Baldwin Park, east of Los Angeles, it has expanded throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Colorado, and Oregon.
Additional plans are underway for outlets in New Mexico and Tennessee. The chain also recently opened store number 399 in Orange County’s San Juan Capistrano.
In Idaho, the new location has a staff of about 80 with a starting wage of $17.50 per hour, according to officials. The restaurant has space for 84 guests indoor and outdoor patio seating for another 30.
To celebrate the chain’s 75th anniversary this year, current President and CEO Lynsi Snyder, the granddaughter to founders Harry and Esther Snyder, recently released a book “The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger” which shares her firsthand experience of the multigenerational family-owned business, with behind-the-scenes photos, stories, and tales of her family’s Christian faith, which she said has helped shape her leadership of the company.
In addition, Irvine-based Weinerschnitzel is coming to Meridian, Idaho—also a first for the state, with a store opening early next year, according to media reports.
By Rudy Blalock
