In-N-Out chooses seemingly unusual location for new restaurant in Modesto. Here’s why

In-N-Out Burger is opening a third location in Modesto in an area that doesn’t seem to fit the pattern of where the company typically places its restaurants.

It’s being built at 3401 Oakdale Road in The Marketplace shopping center at Sylvan Avenue, according to the city of Modesto.

But aren’t In-N-Outs always built near freeways? Not necessarily, said the company’s chief operating officer.

“While proximity to a freeway is usually a positive attribute in the selection of a future site, we have many locations that serve communities miles away from a heavily traveled highway,” Denny Warnick said.

Many factors contribute to the selection of new restaurant locations, Warnick said, but requests and feedback from prospective communities are “definitely important.”

The company also considers proximity to one of its distribution centers.

The developing area of Oakdale Road and Sylvan Avenue is around 23 miles from the nearest In-N-Out Burger distribution center — on Harlan Road in Lathrop.

Modesto’s other two In-N-Out locations both are just off Highway 99, one on Sisk Road near Plaza Parkway, the other about three miles north at Sisk and Pelandale Avenue.

Save Mart anchors The Marketplace. Across the street, by the Del Taco, is where Black Orchid Brewing is set to open soon.

Church’s Texas Chicken replacing Burger King in Modesto

A Church’s Texas Chicken is taking over the old Burger King building at 1233 Oakdale Road in Modesto, the city confirmed.

This will be the first Church’s in Stanislaus County. The nearest restaurants are on Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard and on West Lane in Stockton.

The fast-food chain serves battered and fried chicken, shrimp and fish options, with sides including honey butter biscuits, fried okra and mac and cheese.