In‑N‑Out Burger’s Portland-Area Expansion Moves Forward

In‑N‑Out Burger’s Portland-Area Expansion Moves Forward

Portland, Oregon | July 31, 2025 — After years of anticipation and planning, California’s iconic In‑N‑Out Burger is inching closer to opening its first drive-through restaurant in the Portland metro area. Developers recently received key approvals and are now advancing multiple proposed sites around the region.

✅ Official Approvals: Beaverton Gets the Green Light

• In April 2024, Washington County’s hearings officer granted conditional approval for an In‑N‑Out location at10565 SW Beaverton‑Hillsdale Hwy, where Hawaiian Time restaurant currently sits. The 3,885 sq ft plan includes a drive-thru and outdoor seating Daily Journal of CommerceOregon Business.

• After overcoming a 2022 denial over zoning conflicts—and a subsequent appeal—In‑N‑Out's application was reinstated by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals in October 2024 Eater Portland+1Koin+1.

• According to In‑N‑Out VP Mike Abbate, once permits are issued, construction typically takes eight to nine months Daily Journal of CommerceOregon Business.

📍 Sites Under Consideration: Gresham and Airport Way

• In early 2025, the company initiated planning in Gresham, exploring redevelopment of a former Shari’s site in Oregon Trail Shopping Center. Proposals include a 2,886 sq ft restaurant, 37-car drive‑thru lane, and updated stormwater infrastructure Koin+4Koin+4biztrib.com+4.

• Meanwhile, In‑N‑Out requested an “early assistance” meeting with the city to review plans for a Northeast Portland location near Airport Way and Holman Street, with space for 61 parking stalls and a 31‑car drive-through Daily Journal of Commerceopb.org.

💬 Community Buzz: Reddit Weighs In

Local Reddit threads underscore mixed reactions:

“Looking at Google maps… drove to the location and they haven’t even removed plants and grass yet.”
“Ridgefield has the structure going up already.” reddit.com+2reddit.com+2Koin+2Daily Journal of Commerce+7reddit.com+7reddit.com+7

“I love In‑N‑Out, but even with the best intentions, I don’t see this going well for traffic in the area.”
“The proposed Tanasbourne location… traffic already gets fucked.” reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2

Users raise concerns about drive-thru congestion, especially given proximity to busy corridors like Hillsdale Highway, I-205, and shared commercial parking areas.

📍 Why So Many Locations Around Portland?

According to industry observers, In‑N‑Out appears to be pursuing a multi-location strategy:

• A Ridgefield, Washington location is underway, likely to open before Oregon sites, offering a 30‑minute option for Portland-area fans Koin+2Eater Portland+2Koin+2axios.com+4Eater Portland+4Eater Portland+4.

• Beaverton remains the top-tier Oregon location, now cleared for pre‑development.

• Gresham and Airport Way are being evaluated to extend reach into Northeast Portland and East Metro areas.

🏗️ What’s Next?

Step

Description

Permit Filings

In‑N‑Out must satisfy conditions related to stormwater, erosion control, and zoning before construction begins Oregon Business.

Construction Timeline

Once permits are secured, expect 8–9 months to build a restaurant Daily Journal of CommerceOregon Business.

Traffic Management

Local organizations and planners may require traffic studies due to drive‑thru backlog concerns.

Multiple Development Tracks

Ridgefield first, followed by Beaverton, then potentially Gresham and Airport Way.

In‑N‑Out is finally gaining ground in its long effort to break into the Portland market. The Beaverton location is now formally approved and in pre‑development. Parallel efforts in Gresham and Northeast Portland indicate the chain’s intent to serve multiple submarkets. While local excitement runs high, residents express concern over traffic and neighborhood impacts. How In‑N‑Out addresses these challenges—while rolling out multiple sites—will shape public reception and business success moving forward.