In-N-Out Opens New Hillsboro Location in Former Barnes & Noble Space

In-N-Out Burger opened its third Portland-area location on Thursday at 6015 NW Walker Road in Hillsboro, taking over the site previously occupied by Barnes & Noble, according to a company spokesperson. The restaurant, which began serving customers at 10 a.m., marks the chain’s first Oregon expansion since 2021, according to OregonLive.

Location Details and Opening Highlights

The new Hillsboro spot replaces a 13,000-square-foot Barnes & Noble store that closed in March 2023, as reported by Portland Business Journal. The In-N-Out location features the brand’s signature drive-thru window and a 1,200-square-foot dining area, according to the company’s website. Local residents described the opening as “a big deal” for the area, with long lines forming by mid-morning.

Expansion Context and Customer Reactions

In-N-Out, known for its limited geographic reach and “secret menu,” has maintained only 366 locations as of 2023, according to Business Insider. The Hillsboro opening follows a 2022 expansion into Sacramento and a 2021 location in Las Vegas, signaling a gradual push into new markets. “I’ve been waiting for this for years,” said Hillsboro resident Maria Lopez, who visited the new spot on opening day. “It’s a game-changer for local food options.”

Impact on Local Retail and Dining Scene

The shift from Barnes & Noble to In-N-Out reflects broader retail trends in the Pacific Northwest, where brick-and-mortar bookstores have struggled to compete with e-commerce. The former Barnes & Noble site, part of the Tanasbourne Town Center, has seen multiple tenants since its 2006 opening, according to NW News Channel. Local business advocates note that In-N-Out’s presence could boost foot traffic for nearby shops, though some worry about rising rents.

What’s Next for In-N-Out’s Expansion?

While the company has not announced plans for additional Oregon locations, the Hillsboro opening suggests potential growth. In a 2023 interview, CEO Lynsi Snyder emphasized “strategic, not rapid” expansion, per Reuters. Neighboring states like Washington and California remain the most likely targets for future sites, according to industry analysts.