In-N-Out hasn’t even opened its first New Mexico restaurant yet, but the legendary burger chain is already eyeing a third location in the Duke City.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In-N-Out hasn’t even opened its first New Mexico restaurant yet, but the legendary burger chain is already eyeing a third location in the Duke City.
A public notice sign announcing the new location has gone up at Oxbow Center by Coors Boulevard and Saint Joseph’s Drive. The development is already home to a new Raising Cane’s and Olive Garden close to Saint Pius X High School.
Other locations already in the works
In-N-Out is already planning two other locations in Albuquerque. The first location is expected to open in 2027 near The Pit as part of UNM’s South Campus development.
UNM students KOB 4 spoke with on Tuesday are excited about the first New Mexico location opening near campus.
“Well, I know I’m going to be the first in line, but I also know my mom’s going to be already before me,” said Aiden Chavez, a UNM student.
“You know, I’m just I’m excited to have that here,” said Keegan McGehearty, another UNM student.
The second location in New Mexico is slated to be built outside of Cottonwood Mall, close to Dillard’s.
Further expansion plans?
For those who living south of Albuquerque, the odds of getting a location nearby are not good.
In-N-Out requires its restaurants to be within 500 miles of a regional distribution center so it can maintain the “never frozen” quality of its burger patties. Albuquerque sits just within the radius of the nearest distribution facility in Colorado Springs.
In-N-Out responds
A spokesperson for In-N-Out responded with the following statement when asked about a timeline for future restaurants:
“We’re currently in the city review process for a location at the Cottonwood Mall and one at 3811 Coors NW, but there is quite a bit of work to be done before we begin construction. In that regard, it would be premature to comment on a timeline or anything like an opening date. Once we begin construction on a new location, it usually takes us about nine months to build and open for business. We’ll be sure to send you our official press release for both locations when more information is finalized.
We very much look forward to being a part of the community and greatly appreciate the support from our Customers there.”
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