Habit Burger’s Ukiah location is set to open in early 2026
Ukiah is about to become the battleground for a good-natured burger rivalry. Habit Burger & Grill, a Southern California-headquartered chain that has gained traction as a competitor to the legendary In-N-Out, is set to open a new location in the Mendocino County seat.
The new restaurant is slated to take over the former Denny’s site at 105 Pomeroy St, which has sat vacant since the diner’s closure in the summer of 2023. The application to renovate the building was formally submitted earlier this month, and the approval process is now underway.
Jesse Davis, chief planning manager for the city of Ukiah, told SFGATE in an email that Habit Burger’s parent company, UK 105 Investments LLC, submitted a Minor Site Development Permit application on March 10.
“Since the closure of Denny’s in 2023, the City has responded to several inquiries and facilitated multiple pre-development meetings related to the parcel and its signage allowances,” Davis said. “The project is currently scheduled for review by the Design Review Board on March 27, 2025, which will provide a recommendation to the City’s Zoning Administrator. That hearing is anticipated to take place in mid-April.”
The application fee for the Minor Site Development Permit is a fixed $1,000, with additional permits required for renovations and landscaping improvements, Davis said.
While the wheels of local government turn, Habit Burger has set a tentative timeline for opening. “The Ukiah location isn’t slated to open until early 2026,” said Kathy Kwon, who works for Karsha Chang Public Relations, which represents Habit Burger.
Ukiah’s In-N-Out opened in 2017 to much fanfare, with eager fans lining up outside on opening day, according to the Ukiah Daily Journal. Now, the city will soon have another burger powerhouse in its midst — one that has recently made headlines for challenging In-N-Out’s dominance.
In July 2024, Habit Burger was named the best fast food burger in the country by USA Today, besting In-N-Out in the rankings. The chain quickly leaned into the victory, placing billboards across Southern California — where In-N-Out is also headquartered — that read simply: “Congrats on #2, In-N-Out.”
Once both chains are operating in Ukiah, local burger lovers may have to choose sides.
One Mendocino County leader sees the new restaurant as an opportunity to stimulate the local economy.
“As a rural community, attracting businesses like Habit Burger and Hobby Lobby isn’t just about adding new shopping and dining options—it’s about creating opportunities for our local businesses to thrive,” said Mo Mulheren, Second District supervisor, who represents Ukiah on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. “Increased foot traffic means more customers exploring our unique boutiques, restaurants, and services, strengthening our local economy. By welcoming well-known retailers while continuing to support our small businesses, we can build a balanced and vibrant marketplace that benefits everyone.”
However, some local business owners are more cautious about what the arrival of a major chain means for smaller establishments.
Stephanie Dunken, who has co-owned Slam Dunk Pizza in Ukiah with her husband Matt since 2013, acknowledged both the challenges and the benefits of a corporate franchise entering the market.
“Sixty-seven cents of every dollar remains local with a small locally owned business and only .43 for every dollar for other businesses,” Dunken told SFGATE. “I do like, what I’m assuming is a corporate franchise owner, has the money to fix up one of our many buildings in town that needs some TLC.”
She also noted that small businesses like hers constantly compete with large chains. “We have to continue to do what they can’t. … Small business can do more local and community advertising, donating etc without corporate oversight.”