In-N-Out Burger Comes to Our 'Hood

Though the weather will present an uncharacteristically chilly welcome to the shivering palm trees, it's likely Austinites themselves will bundle up and line up in droves for a taste of the famous burgers when the first Austin In-N-Out Burger (4508 N. I-35) location opens this week.

The first Austin In-N-Out Burger just happens to be dangerously close to the Chronicle offices, so we've kept a very close eye on this particular project. When our art director, Jason Stout, swung by the end of last week to get these photos, the work crew told him the opening date is set for Thursday, Dec. 12 and that they and their families would be eating for free opening day! No doubt, many of my Chronicle colleagues will give the new restaurant a warm embrace on opening day, as well.

Ever since it was announced that In-N-Out Burger had applied for building permits on a parcel of land at the confluence of Airport Blvd. and I-35, the news seems to have provided a jolt of energy to the neighborhood directly to the north along Airport Blvd. The nearby shopping center is getting a facelift and restaurants up and down the strip are anticipating increased exposure. It's going to be interesting to see just what kind of an impact In-N-Out's arrival has on a Central city neighborhood.

The first In-N-Our Burger in the metro area opened last week in Round Rock with fanfare that included print and television media coverage. A third area location is slated to open soon in Cedar Park.