RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – Washington’s first In-N-Out Burger has officially opened its doors in Ridgefield, drawing massive crowds and creating a festival-like atmosphere as eager customers waited hours—some even overnight—for a taste of the iconic California chain.
Historic Opening Day
The opening marked a milestone for Washington, making it the northernmost location of the famous burger brand. With anticipation building for months, the Ridgefield restaurant saw lines forming well before dawn. Some customers reported waiting several hours before reaching the counter or drive-thru.
For one fan, the wait was more than just long—it was historic. Kevin Kehn of Milton arrived at 8:15 p.m. the night before opening day, setting up camp in the drive-thru line. Fourteen hours later, he became the first customer to place an order.
According to KGW8, Kehn ordered three Double-Doubles, three fries, and an unsalted “puppy patty” for his dog. His dedication earned him extra perks, including a T-shirt, a commemorative burger coin, and a wristband.
A Community Event
The excitement extended beyond burgers and fries. For many, the grand opening felt like a community festival. KIRO radio hosts Spike O’Neill and Jake Skorheim joked on-air about the phenomenon, with Skorheim sharing that a friend suggested staying overnight in Ridgefield hotels just to be part of the experience.
“It’ll be a blast, like a festival. And that’s not even a joke, I bet you,” Skorheim said.
O’Neill compared the experience to camping out for concert tickets in his youth.
“In my day, you had to literally sleep on a sidewalk for three, four nights,” he said. “I’ve done that numerous times.”
Skorheim laughed at the idea, remarking that people simply enjoy waiting in line for things they love—from donuts to Cubano sandwiches to burgers.
Long Lines, Big Rewards
For those willing to wait, the payoff was simple: the chance to enjoy freshly grilled burgers, fries, and shakes that In-N-Out fans insist are worth the hype. Some customers waited just a couple of hours, while others committed most of their day to be part of the opening.
Traffic around the new location was heavy, with lines of cars wrapping through the area as employees worked to keep service steady. Many compared the scene to grand openings in other states, where the chain has a devoted following.
The In-N-Out “All-Stars”
Behind the scenes, In-N-Out relied on its established team of “All-Stars”—a group of seasoned employees officially known as the 470 Team. These workers travel across the country to open new locations, ensuring consistency in quality and service.
For the first several months, the All-Stars will operate the Ridgefield restaurant, training the local team and smoothing out operations before eventually handing it off to permanent staff.
More Than Just Burgers
For Ridgefield, the restaurant represents more than just a place to grab a meal. The opening has drawn attention across the region, boosting local businesses and hotels as visitors poured in for the big day.
While the long waits might deter some, for others, the opening was a moment to celebrate community, nostalgia, and the thrill of being part of something new.
As one customer put it while leaving with a bag of burgers:
“Fourteen hours, a little crazy? Sure. But it’s In-N-Out. Totally worth it.”
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