'We’re Not Leaving California': In-N-Out Confirms HQ Stay Amid Owner’s Tennessee Move

In-N-Out Burger Affirms Commitment to California

In-N-Out Burger has made it clear that it is not leaving California. The iconic burger chain, owned by Lynsi Snyder, has issued a statement confirming that its corporate headquarters will remain in the state. This comes after Snyder’s recent plans to relocate to Tennessee and open an office as part of the company's expansion.

Snyder recently appeared on Allie Beth Stuckey’s “Relatable” podcast, where she discussed her personal views on living and doing business in California. While she acknowledged the challenges of raising a family and running a business in the state, she never indicated that the company would be moving its headquarters. Instead, she highlighted the difficulties of operating in California, including the strict regulations and high costs.

One notable example was a San Francisco restaurant that had to temporarily close during the pandemic due to its refusal to comply with a city mandate requiring proof of vaccination for indoor customers. Snyder defended the decision, stating, “we’re not policing our customers.” However, she emphasized that the majority of the company’s stores will remain in California.

The company has also announced plans to close its Irvine office and consolidate its West Coast headquarters in Baldwin Park. This move aligns with the location where Snyder’s grandparents first opened a drive-thru stand in 1948. The decision to consolidate operations reflects the company’s long-term strategy to streamline its operations and focus on growth.

In addition to the consolidation, In-N-Out plans to open a new “Eastern Territory” office in Franklin, Tennessee. This office will support the company’s expansion efforts in the eastern United States. Most of the employees from the Irvine office will either move to Baldwin Park or relocate to Tennessee.

Originally, the plan was to close the Irvine office by 2029. However, Snyder mentioned on the podcast that she has given staff more time to prepare for the transition. The revised timeline now sets the closure for 2030.

Snyder’s comments sparked some speculation that the company is retreating from California due to its liberal policies. This narrative caught the attention of Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office, which pushed back against the idea. On the other hand, some critics argued that Snyder was turning her back on the state and customers who helped make the company successful.

KCRA 3 reached out to In-N-Out multiple times for clarification about its operations in California. After several attempts, the company provided a statement reaffirming its commitment to the state. The statement read:

“We’re not moving In-N-Out Burger’s corporate headquarters. In addition to our Baldwin Park office, we’re expanding with an Eastern Territory office in Tennessee to support our growth. We’re not leaving California, or leaving our roots behind. Each one of our locations is here to stay.”

Snyder also addressed the response to her earlier comments on social media. She expressed pride in the company’s origins and emphasized the role of California customers in its success. “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,” she wrote.

The company declined a request for an interview, but its message remains clear: In-N-Out is not leaving California. The move to Tennessee is seen as an opportunity for growth and new possibilities for employees. As the company continues to expand, it remains committed to its roots and its customers in the Golden State.