With 385 locations across the West, In-N-Out Burger now aims to create millions of new fans in the southern United States.

The chain, which started in 1948 in the Los Angeles suburb of Baldwin Park, says it will open restaurants and a corporate office in metro Nashville, Tennessee, by 2026, the Associated Press reports.

What’s more, company owner Lynsi Snyder — granddaughter of In-N-Out founders Harry and Esther Snyder — said that this first expansion east of Texas will likely lead to restaurant openings in other states as well.

“Knowing that we’ll be delivering from our warehouse in Texas … there’s a path there that might cross a few other states,” Snyder said. “So, don’t worry, there are others that will be included in this plan eventually.

“We get a lot of requests in different states to open, and I’m very happy to meet the customers here and make their dreams come true.”

The Secret Menu

For many burger lovers, the ultimate dream come true is In-N-Out’s “Animal Style,” which debuted in 1961 and must be requested by the customer because it doesn’t appear on the menu.

Says the chain: “To prepare your burger Animal Style, we mustard-cook the beef patty and add your choice of hand-leafed lettuce and tomato, plus we add pickle, extra spread, and grilled onions.”

You can check out the other items on what In-N-Out calls a “not so secret menu” at this link.

Tennessee Governor Attends In-N-Out News Conference

In-N-Out’s decision to venture into the Nashville area was such as big deal that it was announced at a news conference attended by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. And, media there covered the event as “breaking news.”

Watch: In-N-Out Burger Heading to Tennessee

While known for speedily serving up freshly made, tasty, affordable burgers, fries, and shakes to loyal customers, the chain traditionally has been slow to expand.

For decades, In-N-Out limited its restaurants to Southern California and it didn’t grow beyond the Golden State until 1992 when it opened a Las Vegas location. By 2015, it had branched out to Arizona, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. Colorado landed its first In-N-Out in 2020.

Hanford’s Successful Wooing of In-N-Out

Since the advent of social media, residents and public officials mount public campaigns to entice In-N-Out to their city.

For example, the chain’s 2013 opening in Hanford drew members of the “Bring In-N-Out to Hanford” committee along with elected officials such as Rep. David Valadao, Hanford City Council members, and state lawmakers Rudy Salas and Andy Vidak.

There are four In-N-Outs in Fresno and one in Clovis.

You can view In-N-Out’s history at this link.