Hundreds Line Up as In-N-Out's First Idaho Location Opens to 8-Hour Waits

In-N-Out Burger's long-awaited first Idaho location finally opened on December 12th in Meridian, a Boise suburb, drawing dedicated fans who waited overnight in frigid 30-degree weather for the iconic California chain's famous burgers and fries. By 9 a.m. opening time, over 800 people stood shivering in a drive-thru line that snaked across the parking lot with wait times estimated at a whopping 8 hours.

Inside, a separate line for walk-in customers curved out the door as excited locals sought menu specialties like the chain's "Animal Style" burgers and fries. Videos showed heavily bundled customers chatting amiably in the pre-dawn darkness, committed to being among the first to sample offerings from the 400-store chain despite the glacial pace.

The feverish reception was no surprise to local officials. A similar 2020 opening of an In-N-Out location in Aurora, Colorado produced 12-hour waits, lending Idaho transportation authorities ample time to prepare traffic control measures in anticipation of massive opening day crowds.

For In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick, on location to oversee the launch, the enthusiastic public response as cars rolled steadily through the parking lot underscored years of pent-up demand. "We wanted to be prepared in case we were blessed with long lines," Warnick said, noting additional staff flown in from other states to help train and support the over 100 Meridian location employees - part of the chain's expansion plans that include future Tennessee and New Mexico spots.

With Idaho In-N-Out fans finally getting their first taste after years of anticipation, the question now is not if they'll be back, but how soon, as many are likely already eagerly awaiting the next locations rumored for Nampa and Boise. Wherever In-N-Out lands in Idaho next, one thing is for certain: the locals will be ready and waiting.