Entering A New Market

I have a confession to make: I don't like In-N-Out.

In an office of California and Arizona Natives, my opinion certainly stands out. Before you nail me to a cross, let me explain: I just don't like their fries, which are an integral part of the fast food experience. If you're interested in experiencing good food, might I recommend… you know what, we're getting away from the point.

In-N-Out's History in Southern California

In-N-Out was founded in Baldwin Park, California in 1948, and has been serving up essentially the same menu since. In-N-Out became a massive hit in Los Angeles in the '50s and '60s, becoming a regional staple. Throughout the '70s and '80s, the chain remained strictly in Southern California. It was the turn of the 21st century that led the company to expand out of California, into Arizona in 2000, Nevada in 2004, Utah and Washington in 2008, Texas in 2010, Oregon in 2015, and finally, Colorado in 2017. It's been almost 6 years since In-N-Out last moved into a new market, but it seems they're hitting the ground running in 2023.

In-N-Out's Expansion Plans

With the team's latest announcement, In-N-Out is officially opening a distribution center in Tennessee. This new facility will allow In-N-Out to expand their restaurants to the East coast - which would have seemed almost impossible just a decade ago. With such a California staple making moves to the other coast, are there other retailers making big moves into new markets?

Exploring New Retail Markets

Salad And Go is a drive-through-only fast food restaurant that serves… you guessed it, salads. For just under $6, you can enjoy a healthy, quick, and customized meal without leaving your car. Founded in Gilbert, Arizona in 2013, Salad And Go has taken off here in Arizona, and continues to expand with 53 locations in Arizona alone. Salad And Go didn't take nearly as long to expand as In-N-Out did, because, by 2021, Salad And Go was in Texas and Oklahoma 2022. Just recently, Salad And Go announced their next location would be opening in Nevada in 2023. It's only a matter of time before they start building a reputation outside of the southwest, but for now, we'll cherish the $6 salads, wraps, and breakfast burritos.

Building A Competitive Expansion Strategy

Getting away from fast food, another retailer making moves into new markets is pOpshelf, the Dollar General-owned competitor to Five Below. pOpshelf is a newcomer to the dollar store category but has already made a name for itself in the industry. First opened in Tennesee in 2021, the retailer has expanded to most of the southeast and is looking westward, with stores opening in Texas and Oklahoma. Since they are owned by Dollar General, it's not surprising that pOpshelf has the ability to expand as rapidly as they have. It seems like Five Below has a true competitor in the industry now.

Finding New Markets In REGIS Online

While I may not love In-N-Out, I can appreciate their ability to create a loyal customer base. Through strategic expansion and consistent service, In-N-Out has been able to maintain its market and can comfortably grow wherever they want. As time goes on for pOpshelf and Salad And Go, the newbies will have to combine their new product offerings with exceptional customer service to gain a loyal customer base like In-N-Out.•

Last Modified Mar 3, 2023