In-N-out opens in Keizer, with a side of patience

KEIZER, Ore. — Some people waiting in the drive-thru line at the In-N-Out at Keizer Station Thursday were idling in their car for three to four hours.

People trying to place an order inside the restaurant had a quicker visit, maybe just a couple of hours.

But it was hard to find any fans who said the wait wasn't worth it, and not just because of the famous burgers and fries.

"I think just the experience. I love the experience. It’s just fun to see everybody, and everybody who came out," said Caleb Logan who's been to In-N-Out many times.

"Actually, I got up earlier and it was raining, so I went back in the house," said Frank Stanton who lives near Keizer Station. "Then the sun broke, and I came over and got in this nice line, a wonderful friendly restaurant, good people. Looking forward to having a hamburger today."

Many swear by In-N-Out's "double-double" as the best burger they've ever had, but even people in line had time to recommend some other popular local spots.

Nancy's.

Bo And Vine.

Tony's Bar.

"We actually drove up to Portland today and drove by In-N-Out and saw the lines, and we were talking about everyone waiting in line and we thought, Oh, we should go somewhere else," said Jill McConnell, who was having the Cajun Burger at Noble Wave in downtown Salem.

The restaurant did a social media "buy-one-get-one-free" promotion to bring in those people who wanted a burger but didn't want the wait.

"We do the Cajun food, and Louisiana food, so most people don’t really expect us to have a really good burger," said Noble Wave owner and manager Raymond Pelas. "We had a big thing on Instagram, and that blew up really fast. So yeah, it’s been a busy lunch for us. So it’s fun. It’s been fun. We’re glad to have In-N-Out in town. It’ll get more people excited to eat burgers, so some of them will come down here too. That’s cool with me."

McConnell and her lunch partner Diane Kronemann aren't in a hurry to get to In-N-Out.

"This is my style" said Kronemann. "In-N-Out was not overly impressive to me when I had it before, so, this is great. Maybe it will get a few people in here to get the word out. Word of mouth. We’ll tell people."

While the crowds at In-N-Out even caused some slow-down and back-up all the way out to Interstate 5 Thursday, In-N-Out officials can't say how long the crowds are expected to be after opening day but do say they'll have extra parking and traffic control, and extra security on hand as long as the crowds keep coming.