The popular California-based burger chain In-N-Out Burger is finally coming to New Mexico. The company announced that it will open its first location in the state near the University of New Mexico’s sports stadium by 2027.
In-N-Out Burger has been a favorite among burger lovers for decades, with its fresh ingredients, secret menu, and animal-style fries. The chain has more than 300 locations in six states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. However, New Mexico has been left out of the burger craze until now.
The company confirmed that it has purchased a 1.8-acre site near the intersection of University Boulevard and Avenida Cesar Chavez, adjacent to the UNM sports stadium. The site is currently occupied by a vacant office building, which will be demolished to make way for the new restaurant.
The company said that it plans to open the new location by 2027, but did not provide an exact date. It also did not reveal how many employees it will hire or how much it will invest in the project.
A welcome addition
The news of In-N-Out Burger’s arrival was met with excitement and anticipation by many New Mexicans, especially UNM students and staff, who will have easy access to the new restaurant.
“I’m super excited. I love In-N-Out. I’ve been to California a few times and I always go there. It’s the best burger ever,” said UNM student Sofia Martinez.
“I think it’s great. It will bring more business and more people to this area. It will also give us more options for food. I’m looking forward to trying it out,” said UNM employee David Garcia.
Some local burger joints, however, were not as thrilled by the news. They said that they will face more competition and pressure from the new chain, which has a loyal fan base and a reputation for quality and affordability.
“I’m not happy about it. I think it will hurt our business. We have been serving burgers here for over 20 years and we have our own loyal customers. We don’t need another burger place here,” said Mike Chavez, owner of Mike’s Burgers and Shakes.
A long-term vision
In-N-Out Burger said that it chose the site near UNM because of its high visibility, traffic volume, and proximity to the university and the sports stadium. The company said that it hopes to attract both locals and visitors to its new location.
The company also said that it has a long-term vision for expanding in New Mexico, and that it is looking for more sites in the state. However, it did not specify which cities or regions it is targeting.
The company said that it is committed to maintaining its high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness, and that it will offer the same menu and prices as its other locations.
The company also said that it will support the local community by donating to various causes and organizations, such as schools, youth programs, and animal shelters.