In-N-Out Comes to Pleasant Hill

The two crossed palm trees on Contra Costa Boulevard aren't a freak of nature — they're the 'X' that marks the spot where Pleasant Hill's new In-N-Out will be.

The burger chain synonymous with Californian fast food is gearing up to open its 274th store at 570 Contra Costa Blvd. in the Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. According to a construction worker on site, the Pleasant Hill In-N-Out will start flipping burgers May 17. But an employee at the company's head office in Irvine said the official date would not be known until a week or so prior, although doors are indeed expected to open sometime in May.

Either way, it's a win for Lamorindans who fancy their burgers the In-N-Out way. The restaurant is now hiring and will hold open interviews Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the . Starting pay is $10.50 an hour. Apply online through the In-N-Out jobs webpage.

In-N-Out was founded in Southern California in 1948 and has since gained a cult following and become a tourist attraction as a Southwestern culinary gem. To help hungry travelers find the treasure, founder Harry Snyder took inspiration from his favorite movie, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and in 1972 began a tradition of planting palm trees in the shape of an 'X' at every In-N-Out. 

The "Double-Double" was added to the menu in 1965, comprising two patties and almost double the amount of fat of a McDonald's double cheeseburger. In-N-Out aficionados will know about the chain's secret menu, which includes ordering "Animal Syle" for a mustard-cooked beef patty, plus a dollop of mixed pickle, spread and grilled onions. 

The chain expanded outside of California in 1992 with a Las Vegas restaurant, and now spans Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Texas.

If this online petition is any indicator, Pleasant Hill residents are looking forward to the new store, which got 347 signatures.

How do you feel about the new In-N-Out, Pleasant Hill? Share your thoughts in the comments.