
<a href="https://mynorthwest.com/local/in-n-out-sign-wallingford/4102898" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
Last week, an In-N-Out sign declaring “Coming 2026” mysteriously appeared in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, leaving fast-food fans buzzing with excitement and hope. However, it didn’t take long for the dream to sour when Mike Abbate, the vice president of store development for In-N-Out, dashed those hopes with the reminder that the only new location opening soon will be in Ridgefield, Washington. So, before anyone starts scouting sites for their new favorite burger joint, it’s time to hit the brakes on those fantasies.
The hype surrounding the poster was brief yet chaotic, showing how deeply this burger chain has embedded itself in fans’ hearts—how else do you explain such fervor over a piece of paper? Unfortunately, for Seattleites, the closest In-N-Out will still be over 200 miles away in Keizer, Oregon, although the Ridgefield location will slice that distance to a respectable 150. Clearly, burger lovers might need a few road trip playlists ready; nothing gets you more excited than a pursuit of the perfect fry.
In-N-Out’s upcoming launch in Ridgefield is much awaited, but one has to wonder: why are we so obsessed with this chain in the first place? Is it the “secret menu” that lets you order fries animal style or the hope that someday a nearby location might serve a burger topped with just the right amount of grilled onions? Speaking of dreams and realities, what’s your ultimate wish for your favorite fast-food chain? Reminiscing over unfulfilled cravings can definitely get the conversation going!
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