In-N-Out Burger Not Coming To El Paso

It’s been the talk of the town for days now: whispers that In-N-Out Burger is coming to El Paso.

“It’s always good to have new things for people to experience,” said Robert Cox, owner of Charcoaler Drive-In.

“They got good milkshakes, good fries,” Mat Billeaudeaux told ABC-7.

But the first In-N-Out Burger in the state of Texas won’t be in El Paso.

In a statement, the vice-president of planning and development for In-N-Out told ABC-7, “We are not currently looking to expand into El Paso. While it is true that we are actively pursuing opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we haven’t been looking at sites in the El Paso market. We grow slowly at In-N-Out Burger and, at this time, the only area we are working on in Texas is the DFW market.”

A sad announcement for some borderland residents ABC-7 spoke with.

“The quality of the burger is outstanding. I’ve had it in California, in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona and we don’t have anything like that out here,” said Javier Guillen.

“I think it’d be awesome. Nothing wrong with – I think they call it an animal style. It’s always a good time,” explained Billeaudeaux

While some are disappointed the restaurant won’t be making a home in El Paso, others say the city already has enough burger joints.

“Well actually, I would hate for it to impact on Charcoaler, but the other big chains wouldn’t bother me particularly,” said Trisha Mehl while enjoying her burger at Charcoaler.

Cox says having an In-N-Out in the sun city would be good for the economy, but as far as competition, he’s glad the restaurant isn’t coming.

“They do divide up the pie and it makes it a little smaller for everybody else. And it makes it harder for everybody else to make a living, especially small independents like me,” explained Cox.

Charcoaler has been in business for nearly 50 years.

“We grind and patty our own meat everyday, so it’s always fresh and it’s always done right, try and give good service, make the customers happy and they’ll come back for that,” said Cox.

A recipe for success Cox said he’s banking on for another 50 years.

Two other burger joints are coming to El Paso.

A Smash Burger is scheduled to open at Fort Bliss this fall.

Five Guys, Burgers and Fries is expected set up shop on Sunland Park Drive, near Ross.

The exact opening dates have not been released.

To check out the menu for Five Guys, Burgers and Fries click here

For the Smash Burger menu click here