When Will In-N-Out Burger Arrive in Denver, Colorado?
Residents of Denver and surrounding areas are eagerly anticipating the arrival of In-N-Out Burger, a beloved quick-service restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and high-quality food. However, the exact timing remains up in the air.
Recent Developments and Expansion Plans
In 2018, In-N-Out Burger made significant progress towards expanding into Colorado. They purchased 22 acres of land in Colorado Springs to serve as a distribution center and patty-making facility. Additionally, In-N-Out acquired two parcels of land in Colorado Springs to build a restaurant. According to their plans, the first In-N-Out in Colorado will be located on the southeast corner of Interquest and Voyager Parkways and is expected to open sometime in 2020.
Following the success in Colorado Springs, In-N-Out has been busy acquiring more locations. The first restaurant in the Denver metropolitan area is anticipated to open shortly after the Colorado Springs launch, further expanding the brand's reach in the Rocky Mountain region.
Challenges and Expansion Strategy
In-N-Out Burger is a privately held company that doesn't disclose its expansion plans to the public. This has made the answer to when In-N-Out will open in Denver unknown. Historically, In-N-Out has been conservative in its expansion, adding an average of only four stores per year since its founding. It took the company 47 years to expand from California to Nevada, and in the past 15 years, they've added limited numbers of locations in Arizona, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. Given Denver's proximity to these markets, it's reasonable to speculate that it could be their next logical expansion step.
Michael D. Pulliam highlights the supply chain and shipping challenges as a key factor in the expansion process. These difficulties are exemplified by the Steak n Shake expansion into Colorado, where franchisees have faced financial struggles despite the high foot traffic at their stores. The case study of Steak n Shake provides insight into the challenges of setting up and maintaining a successful In-N-Out franchise in Denver.
Conclusion
The timing of In-N-Out's arrival in Denver remains uncertain, but it is sure that Denver's culinary landscape will be enriched once the first In-N-Out opens its doors. For now, food enthusiasts in Denver will have to settle for nearby Outlets and wait with bated breath for the much-anticipated arrival of this beloved burger joint.