In-N-Out Burger’s Vancouver location is taking shape, with plans to open by this summer

According to the “grand openings” page of the California-founded chain’s website, a Vancouver outpost is “opening soon.” Vice President of Store Development Mike Abbate also told KOIN 6 the burger joint is hoping to open its second Washington location by this summer.

The Vancouver spot will be found at 13511 SE 3rd Way, about 15 miles away from the Ridgefield drive-thru — which became the closest location to Portland when it opened this past August.

With the Ridgefield restaurant’s location across the street from Costco, its opening initially sparked traffic concerns. But city leaders worked alongside the burger chain to prepare for its debut over several weeks, setting up queuing areas that could fit several hundreds of vehicles at a time.

Similar plans are underway for Vancouver, according to the city’s Transportation Manager Ryan Lopossa. He told KOIN 6 he convened with Ridgefield officials and reviewed a copy of their traffic control plan ahead of their own burger mania.

Vancouver In-N-Out construction progress on Feb. 25 (Courtesy Steve Mathis)
Vancouver In-N-Out construction progress on Feb. 25 (Courtesy Steve Mathis)
Vancouver In-N-Out construction progress on Feb. 25 (Courtesy Steve Mathis)
Vancouver In-N-Out construction progress on Feb. 25 (Courtesy Steve Mathis)
Vancouver In-N-Out construction progress on Feb. 25 (Courtesy Steve Mathis)

“The corporate In-N-Out is very forward thinking when it comes to these grand openings,” Lopossa added. “The last thing you want to have is any kind of traffic mayhem.”

He said the company will bring their own traffic control team to handle the large volume of vehicles in the drive-thru. Some off-duty officers will be contracted to help with any potential congestion as well.

The Vancouver restaurant has also been authorized to use some of the vacant parking lots nearby, according to the transportation manager.

“One of the things that we’ve said all along is, absolutely, there cannot be… any situations where cars are allowed to back out onto the streets. They can’t back out onto Mill Plain, and they can’t back out onto any of the public streets,” Lopossa said.

Officials will have to wait to determine whether the Ridgefield restaurant’s opening will impact the number of customers dining at the Vancouver location.

But for those willing to regularly brave burger mania at the incoming spot, In-N-Out is currently hiring associates. Wages range from $19.25 to $23.50 an hour.