Fans drive hours for opening of In-N-Out in Lebanon as city braces for traffic

LEBANON, Tenn. (WSMV) - One of Tennessee’s first In-N-Out Burger locations is officially open in Lebanon, and huge crowds were waiting to get in opening day with some customers driving several hours to be among the first in line.

The Lebanon and Antioch locations both opened Wednesday morning. City leaders say they’ve spent weeks preparing for heavy traffic, especially near the I-40 interchange where the Lebanon restaurant sits.

Because each In-N-Out has only one drive-thru lane, the company purchased additional land to create a holding area for more than 800 cars. The goal is to keep traffic from spilling onto the interstate or backing up along South Hartmann Drive.

In-N-Out also hired a private traffic management team to work alongside Lebanon police, adjusting signals, directing vehicles, and helping keep the long lines moving.

Some customers showed up before sunrise and traveled from across the region to experience the California-based chain for the first time in Tennessee.

“I drove almost three hours this morning to be here on opening day because this is fast food history,” said Jay, a customer from Knoxville. “This is the first store to open east of the Mississippi River, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Another customer, Kim Edmundson, said she and her family drove more than two hours from the Knoxville area.

“We grew up on In-N-Out out west, so we’re super excited it’s here in Tennessee,” she said.

Lebanon officials said they expect people to travel from Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and other states throughout the week.

Sarah Haston, the city’s Economic and Community Development Director, said the city has made several traffic improvements around the site, including signal adjustments and new turning lanes.

“This site is really close to the I-40 interchange, so there is a strong possibility it could back up,” Haston said. “We’ve made improvements and can control the street lights, so we’ll be operating those to help traffic flow.”

Drivers who are not visiting In-N-Out are encouraged to avoid South Hartmann Drive or use alternate ramps to access I-40.