In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder Clarifies Move to Tennessee

Clarifying the Move: In-N-Out Burger’s Expansion Plans

In-N-Out Burger, a beloved California-based fast-food chain, has recently sparked conversations about its future. The company's president and owner, Lynsi Snyder, has been vocal about her decision to move her family to Tennessee, but she has also taken the opportunity to clarify that the company is not leaving California.

Snyder, who is the granddaughter of founders Harry and Esther Snyder, addressed what she described as a misinterpretation of her recent comments. In a three-minute social media video, she emphasized that In-N-Out Burger’s corporate headquarters will remain in California. “We’re not moving In-N-Out Burger’s corporate headquarters,” she stated. Instead, the company is expanding with an Eastern Territory office in Tennessee to support its growth.

Why Tennessee?

Snyder explained that moving to Tennessee offers opportunities for her associates to buy homes and raise families while being part of the company’s expansion. She clarified that her personal decision to relocate does not reflect any change in her commitment to California or its customers.

“I’m very proud of where In-N-Out started, and anyone who knows me knows how often I talk about our beginnings and how our customers here in California brought us to where we are today,” she said.

Challenges in California

The decision to move was influenced by several factors, including the challenges of raising a family and running a business in California. According to Snyder, the state presents unique difficulties, from high living costs to complex regulations.

She also mentioned the impact of the pandemic on the company, including the closure of two locations in 2021 due to non-compliance with vaccine checks. Additionally, the Oakland location was closed last October, marking the first time the company had ever shut down a restaurant.

Snyder reflected on the strict pandemic restrictions, particularly in San Francisco, which required masks and other protective measures that she felt were overly burdensome. “You’ve got to do this, you have to wear a mask, you've got to put this plastic thing up between us and our customers, and it was really terrible, you know,” she said.

Corporate Relocation

Earlier this year, In-N-Out announced plans to move its corporate headquarters from Irvine back to Baldwin Park, where the restaurant was founded in 1948. Originally, the plan was to close the Irvine office by 2029, but Snyder now says it will be closed by 2030.

In response to California’s minimum wage law, the company raised menu prices across the state in April 2023. Snyder fought to keep prices as low as possible, stating that she felt an obligation to look out for customers.

Expanding Across the U.S.

Despite the move, Snyder confirmed that the majority of In-N-Out restaurants will still be in California. In May, the company announced seven new locations across the U.S., with four of them in California. Additional plans include locations in Washington and New Mexico.

Snyder also discussed potential future expansions, mentioning that Florida and East Coast states have shown interest, but the company remains cautious. “Texas can reach some other states,” she said, indicating a strategic approach to growth.

A Commitment to Independence

Snyder reiterated that selling the company or franchising would never be an option. “I wouldn’t franchise ever!” she said, emphasizing her dedication to maintaining the brand’s integrity.

Looking Ahead

While In-N-Out continues to expand, its roots in California remain strong. The company currently operates more than 400 locations across eight states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho.

As the company moves forward, it remains focused on supporting its employees, maintaining quality, and staying true to its founding principles. For now, the future of In-N-Out Burger looks bright, with a clear path of growth and continued commitment to its loyal customer base.