In-N-Out CEO Shares California Complaints and Tennessee Plans on Podcast

In-N-Out CEO Shares Mixed Feelings About California and Expansions

In-N-Out, the iconic fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients and loyal customer base, has seen its CEO, Lynsi Snyder, express some strong opinions about the state where her family built the business. During an appearance on the "Relatable" podcast, Snyder shared her frustrations with California, highlighting the challenges of raising a family and running a business in the state.

"There’s a lot of great things about California," Snyder said. "But raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here." Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among some business leaders who are reconsidering their long-term commitments to the state, especially as they look toward new opportunities elsewhere.

Snyder also criticized the state's approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the enforcement of vaccine mandates for indoor dining. She mentioned that two restaurants were shut down in 2021 for not checking customers' vaccination status. "You’ve got to do this," she said of the mandate. "You have to have this plastic thing between us and our customers. It was really terrible, you know? And I look back, I’m like, we should have pushed even harder on that stuff. We’re not policing our customers."

However, after the podcast appearance, Snyder appeared to soften her stance. In a statement provided to USA TODAY and posted on her Instagram page on July 22, she clarified her position. "Where I raise my family has nothing to do with my love and appreciation for our Customers in California," she said. "I’m very proud of where In-N-Out started. Anyone who knows me knows how often I talk about our beginnings and how our Customers here in California helped bring us to where we are today."

In-N-Out Expanding to Tennessee, Not Leaving California

Despite her criticisms, In-N-Out is not leaving California. The company announced in February that many of its California corporate employees will move from Irvine in Orange County to an office in Baldwin Park, a city in the Los Angeles area where the company was founded in 1948. The move is expected to be complete by the end of 2029.

The Baldwin Park office is located about 40 miles northwest of the current Irvine office and just one mile from the first restaurant opened by Harry and Esther Snyder. After the closure of the Irvine office, corporate employees will be stationed either at the Baldwin Park office or at the Tennessee office. The Nashville-area office is set to open in 2026.

This expansion marks a significant shift for the company, which has been based in California for decades. However, the decision to add a second headquarters in Tennessee reflects a strategic move to diversify operations and explore new markets.

Focus on California and Limited East Coast Expansion

Despite the move to Tennessee, Snyder emphasized that the majority of In-N-Out's operations will remain in California. The company currently operates 281 of its 418 locations in the state and has been expanding steadily in recent years. Snyder noted that the bulk of the company's stores will continue to be in California.

She also downplayed the possibility of further expansion on the East Coast, citing logistical challenges. "We’re able to reach Tennessee from our Texas warehouse. We’ll have a warehouse, but not do our own meat there, so we’ll be able to deliver from Texas," she explained.

When asked about potential expansion into Florida, Snyder said, "Florida has begged us, and we’re still saying no." She added that the company is still declining requests from other East Coast states as well. "The East Coast states, we’re still saying no."

This cautious approach highlights the company's commitment to maintaining its core values and operational efficiency while exploring new growth opportunities.