In-N-Out Burger proposes first drive-thru in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After years of a popular burger chain proposing a new drive-thru in the Portland area, the company is moving toward opening a location in the city.
Portland Maps shows In-N-Out Burger is looking to develop a restaurant at a vacant lot on Northeast Airport Way and Holman Street. The location would hold a maximum of 61 parking spaces and a drive-thru lane accommodating up to 31 vehicles.
According to records, the fast food chain asked city officials for an “early assistance meeting” on Thursday.
“This meeting is intended to review the conceptual site plan and solicit feedback from City departments, including but not limited to planning, zoning, stormwater management, and transportation, to ensure compliance with local regulations and streamline the approval process,” the proposal reads.
The proposal also states that the development team hopes to address pre-existing “site constraints” including stormwater management requirements and tree density standards.
If approved, In-N-Out’s first location in Portland proper would mark a years-long effort to bring the company’s iconic Double-Doubles and Animal-Style fries to the Rose City.
The company finally made headway in the planning of a burger joint in unincorporated Washington County last fall. In August 2022, a county spokesperson told KOIN 6 that the application was canceled due to a land use issue.
The proposed restaurant, 10565 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, was split between a Commercial Business District and an Office Commercial district. While the former allows drive-thrus, OC districts typically prohibit them.
In-N-Out filed an appeal against the decision in May 2023. The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals remanded the appeal just a few months later. A Beaverton resident attempted to appeal the board’s decision just last year, but failed.
Washington County documents stated the chain’s application was still approved, but “subject to conditions of approval.”
Those against the suburban drive-thru have cited traffic concerns, as it is across the street from Chick-fil-A.