In-N-Out Burger Delivers Early, Opens Today

It only figures that a drive-thru that features a Double Double would open for business on the double. As in, a day earlier.

Instead of opening on Valentine's day, the In-N-Out Burger in Rancho Santa Margarita throws open its doors officially on Wednesday, according to vice president Carl Van Fleet.

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The iconic Southern California burger chain had all its permits approved last week, allowing for it to open earlier than expected.

Still, the restaurant has been a long time coming. Initially, it was hoped it would open by the beginning of the year, but good things come to those who wait.

In-N-Out had its soft opening on Tuesday night, 5-8 p.m., as the staff ironed out the kinks and served friends and family. Among the city leaders in attendance were current councilmembers Tony Beall, Brad McGirr and Jesse Petrilla, former councilman Jerry Holloway, and planning commissioners Peter Whittingham, Kent Hayden, Mike Vaughn and April Josephson.

Van Fleet said the company has hired about 30 new associates and had about a dozen local residents working elsewhere transfer into the RSM store. There are still a few more people to hire.

Regular hours will be Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Van Fleet said the store prefers to open "business as usual" rather than to pomp and circumstance. Van Fleet figured on opening day, with the anticipated line, the store could open as early as 9:30.

"We won't open that door any later than 10," he said.

Prediction: There will be a line—and they'll be ready for it.