Photo courtesy In-N-Out Burger

Round Rock is set to become the site of the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Central Texas.

The California-based burger chain could open its first Central Texas location in Round Rock as early as next year, said Joseph Vining of Vining and Associates, a planning and development consultant firm hired by the restaurant.

Vining said the restaurant contacted his firm three months ago to help facilitate zoning changes needed at the location In-N-Out is considering purchasing, 4251 N. I-35, next to BJ's Restaurant. Current planning and zoning ordinances prohibit drive-thru restaurants at that site.

"We are asking for an amendment to the zoning district, to allow this one lot the ability to have a drive-thru," Vining said.

He said the company had not finalized the purchase of the property and was waiting until until the zoning approval to do so.

Vining filed an application with the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday. The commission will meet July 25 to consider the change and make a recommendation to the City Council.

Vining did not have details on the cost of the building, the potential economic impact of the project or the number of employees that could be hired at the new site.

Phyllis Cudworth, a spokesperson for In-N-Out, could not confirm any new plans concerning the Round Rock location.

For more on In-N-Out, visit www.in-n-out.com.