In-N-Out Burger is entering a new growth phase in 2025, expanding beyond its traditional markets into strategic territories like California, Colorado, and Tennessee.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the chain will open seven new U.S. locations in 2025, including four in California and one in Colorado and Tennessee.
This marks a significant shift in geographic strategy, showing that In-N-Out is confident its supply and brand models can support more ambitious growth.
The chain’s careful planning and public reaction reflect both excitement and scrutiny over whether the expansions can maintain its signature quality.
Why These Three States Matter
Each state on the new list plays a unique strategic role for In-N-Out’s future.
California remains the core market, with infrastructure, brand reputation, and supply systems already established.
Colorado sits on the edge of its existing reach, bridging the western states and enabling easier distribution.
Tennessee represents a major eastward push, enabling access to southeastern markets.
Analysts say this combination allows controlled growth while minimizing logistical risks.
In business filings and press coverage, In-N-Out leadership emphasizes maintaining quality and regional viability over rushing into dozens of new states at once.
Continued Strength in California and Arizona
California remains In-N-Out’s strongest foundation. There are still new openings in the state, which now has 284 locations, or about 67% of its total presence nationwide.
ScrapeHero reports over 400 total locations in 2025, with California still commanding more than two-thirds.
In 2025, In-N-Out will open four new California restaurants, reinforcing market dominance.
Even as the company branches into new states, leadership has repeatedly affirmed that California will continue to receive priority for development, supply expansion, and corporate investment.
Colorado: New Frontiers in the Rockies
Colorado is among the states with new confirmed developments.
The Coloradoan reports a new In-N-Out store under construction in Brighton at 3860 Eagle Blvd.
Meanwhile, BizWest notes that new permits are filed for a location in Broomfield, suggesting further expansion along the Front Range.
Longmont city records also indicate approved land purchases and planning applications for a new restaurant near Ken Pratt Blvd.
These developments confirm that Colorado is not just an afterthought, but a key frontier for westward growth, with proximity to existing distribution centres in Colorado Springs and Denver.
Tennessee: First Steps East of Texas
Tennessee is In-N-Out’s most audacious move to date and its first venture outside of the western United States.
In a 2023 announcement, the company pledged $125.5 million to build an eastern territory office in Franklin, Tennessee, creating 277 jobs, as confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
That office will support new restaurants beginning in the Nashville area by 2026. Reuters and other outlets cite that expansion as marking the chain’s first eastern hub.
As RetailWire reports, In-N-Out plans multiple restaurants in Tennessee, anchored by the infrastructure in Franklin.
Why Tennessee Is Strategic
Tennessee’s central location offers access to Southeastern markets, efficient logistics for supplies shipped from Texas, and favorable business incentives.
KCRA notes that In-N-Out’s president has said the move east allows expansion into states that can be serviced from its Texas warehouse.
Leaders in Tennessee anticipate a positive economic impact, citing new jobs and commerce.
The company’s decision to locate the office in a fast-growing region near Nashville underscores the intent to use Tennessee as a springboard for further eastern growth.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The expansions come with logistical demands. In-N-Out must ensure new locations remain within reasonable reach of its fresh ingredient supply lines.
The chain’s official media kit says new openings will only happen in states reachable within a day’s drive for its meat and produce distribution.
Additionally, Newsweek notes the Tennessee headquarters is being built to accommodate a broader operational scale by 2026.
Critics caution that managing quality across more distant states will test the brand. However, executives reaffirm that each new location is selected deliberately rather than rushed.
References
• Los Angeles Times – https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-05-10/in-n-out-burger-new-locations-california-arizona-colorado-washington
• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development – https://tnecd.com/news/governor-lee-commissioner-mcwhorter-announce-in-n-out-burger-to-expand-to-tennessee-with-office-in-franklin-future-restaurants/
• The Coloradoan – https://www.coloradoan.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/05/02/in-n-out-brighton-colorado/83393838007/