CHEYENNE — People drive miles for the restaurant’s famous “double-double.”
Experienced customers love telling newcomers about the hidden menu, like ordering a burger and fries “animal style,” smothered in a Thousand Island dressing–like spread, or asking for the onion-sandwiched “Flying Dutchman.”
When a new store opens, car lines stretch for what seems like miles, sometimes for weeks on end.
In-N-Out Burger, the iconic California-based chain, plans to open its newest location 45 minutes south of Cheyenne in northern Colorado, the company said Wednesday in an email to Cowboy State Daily.
The franchise’s expansion is slated for a new subdivision in Timnath, Colorado, just off Interstate 25. It would become the second In-N-Out in northern Colorado and the 13th in Colorado overall. No opening date has been announced.
“We’re grateful to be a part of Larimer County, and look forward to having this wonderful location to better serve our customers in the Timnath community and surrounding area,” said Mike Abbate, vice president of In-N-Out Burger Store Development.
The news brought huge smiles to Preston and Christine Godoy, both 32, as they walked out of the Five Guys burger location on Wednesday outside the Frontier Mall in Cheyenne. The couple became fans of the chain during the three years they lived in Southern California while Preston was stationed there.
“That’s where we fell in love with it,” Preston said.
Preston’s go-to order is a “double double,” or double cheeseburger, a side of fries and a strawberry milkshake. Christine’s favorite? The fries, animal style.
Where’s It Going?
The pair, who have lived in Cheyenne for three years, said they already make hour-long dinner drives to Loveland, what is now the current closest In-N-Out to Cheyenne.
“If it’s 20 minutes closer, even better,” Christine said.
The future drive-thru store will be on a 1.63-acre tract at 4911 Cima Vista Drive, which is at the northeast corner of the Interstate 25 Frontage Road in the Ladera subdivision.
Located on the east side of I-25, Ladera is a newly formed community, partly complete, that includes about 700 apartments, a hotel, a home improvement store, a storage facility, offices, health and dental clinics, multiple fast casual restaurants, fitness center, grocery store, sporting goods superstore, a bank, several sit-down and fast-food restaurants and a brewery, according to a Timnath planning document.
Chad Kemper, a senior planner for Timnath, said the site plan for the new In-N-Out has been approved and building permits and other required documentation are undergoing final reviews.
“We are getting closer to them beginning groundwork and ultimately construction for this site,” he said. “There’s certainly a lot of buzz and anticipation.”
In-N-Out officials say they are still in the planning phase and don’t have a timetable for opening.
“While we’ve made great progress, we’re currently in the plan check process, and there is some work to be done before we begin construction,” Abbate said. “In that regard, we’re not in the position to provide a definitive timeline or an opening date just yet.”
Once construction starts, In-N-Out officials estimate it will take between eight and nine months for the store to open.
Destination Or Drive-Thru?
While many Wyomingites are excited about the prospect of having an In-N-Out closer to home, a 40-plus-minute drive leaves some questioning just how motivated they will be to visit.
Will they drive that far just for a burger or stop off on their way to another destination?
The Godoys are split.
“I’d probably double up on something,” Preston said.
Christine agreed, but said she would make In-N-Out a main destination for “special occasions.”
Lt. Col. Chris Wilson of the Wyoming National Guard, who ate lunch at the Cheyenne Five Guys on Wednesday, said he probably wouldn’t drive to Timnath just for an In-N-Out burger.
“Never tried it,” he said. “Heard good things.”
Special Sauce
Juan Coronado, chef and co-owner of Railspur, one of Cheyenne’s most popular restaurants, said he would make the drive to In-N-Out once it opens.
“I grew up going to California, so it’s definitely a staple for me,” Coronado said. “It’s a good burger, and I’ve tasted a lot of good burgers. I would probably make it a point to stop by once it opens.”
Coronado is drawn to the restaurant’s small, simple menu as well as the restaurant’s willingness to allow people to customize orders with an extra patty, no buns, hot peppers or other combinations.
“The simplicity of the menu is something we subconsciously like,” he said. “It’s a pretty solid American burger. Can’t go wrong with that.”
Justin George can be reached at justin@cowboystatedaily.com.
