News reports from Houston last month said Irvine-based In-N-Out Burger bought a parcel of land in Harris County for its first location in the city.
That project is on hold until the effects of Hurricane Harvey play out, after which the burger chain can move forward on its move into the market.
In-N-Out entered Texas about five years ago and has opened restaurants in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other cities, as well as a 57,000 square foot distribution center in Fort Worth. The chain has more than 20 locations in the state.
Commercial real estate sources in Houston began in January and February to notice In-N-Out was actively scouting land and planned several locations locally, reports said.
The 1.3-acre parcel it bought in May is in the Briarmeadow area, a suburban development north of a tollway and 12 miles from downtown. A news report said it was appraised this year at $3.5 million and was purchased from BK Westheimer Ltd.
In-N-Out is ranked No. 3 on the Business Journal’s list of OC-based Restaurant chains, with $807 million in annual systemwide sales at 325 locations.
Houston is the fourth-largest U.S. city—smaller than New York, Los Angeles and Chicago; bigger than Philadelphia and Phoenix—with about 2.1 million residents.
