Business & Tech

Deal to Bring In-N-Out to Monrovia Nearly Falls Through

The hamburger company is back in talks with Home Depot about obtaining some of the company's land.

A nearly fell apart when the hamburger company couldn't reach an agreement with Home Depot to acquire some of its land, but the two sides have recently rekindled negotiations, according to a city official.

City Manager Scott Ochoa said both sides almost walked away from a deal to bring the drive-through hamburger chain to town when they couldn't agree on a price for a portion of Home Depot's parking lot. Recently, though, the two companies have returned to the bargaining table.

"Previously they were actually walking away, now we at least have them sitting down talking and negotiating," Ochoa said. "Both of them were sufficiently frustrated--they were pulling in different directions."

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In-N-Out wants to open a 3,400 square foot restaurant with a single lane drive-through on the corner of Evergreen and Mountain Avenues near Home Depot. The company originally hoped to cut the ribbon by this summer.

But Ochoa said the companies have been squabbling over the price In-N-Out would have to pay to obtain part of Home Depot's parking lot. Though the two parties have resumed talks, a deal is far from complete.

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In-N-Out wants to cut its costs after realizing how expensive installing underground utilities will be, Ochoa said. And Home Depot has been trying to get the highest possible price for its land, he said.

A representative for In-N-Out did not return multiple messages requesting comment on this story. Kelly Backus, a spokeswoman for Home Depot, refused to comment on "rumor or speculation" regarding the deal.

Though the city would only net an expected $25,000 to $30,000 in sales tax from an In-N-Out, it has been pushing for it as an extra amenity for the community, according to Ochoa.

If the two sides can come to an agreement this summer, Ochoa said the restaurant could open in January 2012.

"Folks really want to try and make this deal work and I think they will," Ochoa said.


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