News

In-N-Out opens in Texas to fanfare, welcomed by Whataburger

May 11, 2011

California's iconic In-N-Out Burger opened two units in Texas Wednesday, generating overnight campers, long lines, police protection and even some tears of joy.

The chain, which includes about 260 units in California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada, expanded to the Lone Star State for the first time in its 63-year history, with new units in the Dallas suburbs of Allen and Frisco. Five more Texas locations are slated to open soon.

Twitter accounts estimated a 2-hour wait for burgers and a line wrapped around the building twice.

Texas' own classic burger joint, Whataburger, welcomed the California chain by delivering orange cowboy boots to the two new units. Whataburger, which also has been operating for more than 60 years, sent the gift to "show its Texas hospitality," according to a company statement.

"As two companies with similar principles, putting the highest value on quality and freshness, we look forward to a little friendly competition," said Joel Griffiths, regional director of operations, Whataburger Restaurants L.P. "At Whataburger, our Texas roots run deep. What better way to welcome west coast In-N-Out than with a pair of real cowboy boots."

Whataburger also has locations in Allen and Frisco, as well as more than 120 units in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.