Animal-style, double-doubles and more may be on the menu after all for Santa Ynez Valley residents as In-N-Out Burger has a new proposal to build in Buellton. 

That announcement and others occurred at the Santa Ynez Valley Economic Summit on Friday afternoon. The Solvang Chamber of Commerce organized the event held at the Veterans Memorial Building with approximately 100 people in attendance.

For more than two hours, speakers covered a wide range of topics vital to the valley including tourism, business, development, nonprofit organizations and housing concerns.

The event also served as the farewell for Tracy Beard, who served as the Solvang Chamber of Commerce’s executive director for more than 10 years, championing the city’s business community.

Buellton Breaks Burger News

One of the event’s final presentation’s came from Buellton Mayor David Silva and City Manager Scott Wolfe, with news about a popular fast-food restaurant’s new attempt to open in the valley.

Their presentation included the revelation that In-N-Out Burger has applied again to build in Buellton, but at a different site than the one that sparked traffic concerns and ultimately a rejection in December 2023.

The new proposal seeks to build on vacant land along McMurray Road, north of Rufus T. Buell Drive (formerly Damassa Road).

The company previously proposed building at the former theater site at 515 McMurray Road, now planned for a Cottage Health medical office building with primary and specialty care.

The popular eatery’s impact on traffic along Highway 246 raised huge concerns that led to the denial.

The new proposed In-N-Out location sits between Highway 101 and  Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

The Buellton Planning Commission will get its first look at the concept during the April 2 meeting where the panel will provide feedback for the applicant to incorporate in the final plan submitted for formal approval later.

“We’ll see where it goes. It’s still in the really early process,” Wolfe said, adding In-N-Out representatives listened to the concerns and addressed them in the application. 

Solvang Growing Smarter

“Solvang is not just holding steady, we’re growing smarter,” City Manager Randy Murphy said. 

Tourism continues to be the lifeblood helping booster the city’s coffers, Murphy said. 

“These people are not just passing through,” Murphy said. “They are making a specific choice to come to Solvang.”

Data shows visitors intentionally making the trek for wine tasting, dining and other experiences. They are staying more nights and typically are 45 to 65 years old with a household income greater than $150,000.

“That shift does not happen by accident,” Murphy said, crediting a deliberate marketing strategy.

The area’s visitors come from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley and Monterey plus Las Vegas and Phoenix, Murphy said.

Other speakers at the event included Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann; Erica Jane Flores, People Helping People executive director; and Esther Jacobsen Bates, Santa Ynez Valley Foundation executive director.

A Farewell to Tracy Beard

The forum also served as a goodbye for the Solvang Chamber’s leader, who took the helm of the organization in 2015.

“Since then, she has been a force of nature,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara. 

Beard led the organization with perseverance and grace plus an unwavering advocacy, he added, noting Beard also served as a Fifth District representative for the Santa Barbara County Women’s Commission. 

“Tracy, your impact on our community has been incalculable,” Carbajal said before presenting a certificate of Congressional recognition. 

“Add my name to the Tracy Beard fan club,” Assemblymember Gregg Hart said. “Tracy has been an incredible rock for the Santa Ynez Valley and does so many things.”

Solvang officials noted Beard worked tirelessly for the city’s business community.

“Your passion for Solvang was contagious,” Mayor David Brown told Beard.