Then it was official: In-N-Out has opened.

Update: Cars hoping to pull into In-N-Out's parking lot are currently lined up close to a quarter mile along Del Monte Boulevard. But don't worry, Monterey and Seaside drivers. As In-N-Out staff told a Monterey city official checking in on implications of the opening, they have a speedy staff slicing the potatoes.

•••

There was rumor. 

There was rabid enthusiasm that included a local mayor staging a flash mob. 

Then there was controversy, delay and hand-wringing. 

There was amazement at the obsession a simple burger joint can create.

Later came confusion and mystery as those in the know refused to lay out an opening date.

And now, finally, there is official word from headquarters in Irvine, Calif. beginning Tuesday, March 22, In-N-Out opens in Seaside.

Or as the release puts it: "hamburgers, shakes and fries will be available at our newest location."

So too will goodies from the not-so-secret secret menu. 

I happen to have some tips about how to embrace all of the possibilities of In-N-Out's off-menu items, times two: Here's the follow-up to that insider look at things like well-done fires and special peppers.

Plus more propaganda from the mother ship:

As with all locations, fresh ingredients will be supplied to the store from In-N-Out. Hamburger patties are made from 100 percent pure American beef and whole chucks are boned and ground by In-N-Out's own butchers. All patties are produced and delivered fresh throughout the week to the stores and are never frozen. French fries are made from fresh, whole potatoes and are hand diced.

Ashley Guzman, who has been a veteran of In-N-Out for 13 years, will manage the new restaurant at 1350 Del Monte Blvd.

The restaurant will employ approximately 50 In-N-Out Burger Associates with a starting wage of $12.50 per hour.

One drive-thru lane will see huge snaking lines; seating will fit 77 guests.

Hours, as with all In-N-Out locations, are 10:30am to 1am and until 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.

I am currently fielding bets on how early people will start lining up.

Traffic will be impacted as a result of the opening. Locals in several surrounding neighborhoods have been bracing for the moment for months.

When the city of Monterey contacted Seaside about the traffic implications on Del Monte with the opening of In-N-Out, one official reports In-N-Out played down concerns by saying they're bringing their top employees from Northern California to make it a smooth transition.

The implication is fast burger servers will help reduce all-around traffic.

Hmmmm.

In-N-Out has locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. In-N-Out was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder and is still owned and operated by the Snyder family.

None of the units are franchised.

Now that the wait is over we can graze on Double Doubles and count down to Game of Thrones season premiere. 

(That's April 24.)

Nick Rahaim contributed to this report.