Lynsi Snyder, the chief executive of In-N-Out Burger, has announced plans to relocate her family to Tennessee as the fast-food chain establishes a corporate office there. This decision has sparked backlash in California, where her grandfather founded the company nearly 80 years ago.
During an episode of the podcast "Relatable," which discusses culture, news, and politics from a conservative Christian perspective, Snyder stated, “There are a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here.”
This move is significant for In-N-Out, which began in California in 1948 and has become closely associated with the state. Snyder clarified in an Instagram post that the company is not leaving California but is opening an “Eastern Territory” office in Tennessee, in addition to its existing corporate offices in California.
Following her podcast comments, some Californians expressed disappointment, accusing Snyder of ingratitude towards the state that contributed to her family's wealth. Comments on social media included critiques of her complaints about doing business in California while benefiting from its economic success.
In-N-Out has faced criticism before; in 2018, calls for a boycott arose after the company donated $25,000 to the Republican Party, although this did not significantly impact its business.
Currently, In-N-Out operates more than 400 locations across seven states, primarily in California. Snyder, who has been CEO since 2010, assured that the majority of In-N-Out's restaurants will remain in California. She emphasized that her family’s relocation does not diminish her appreciation for California customers, stating that moving to Tennessee offers better opportunities for employees.
The burger chain, recognized for its fresh ingredients and straightforward menu, first expanded outside California in 1992 with a location in Las Vegas. It now has restaurants in several states and plans to open locations in Tennessee by 2026.
Snyder also announced that the company would close its headquarters in Irvine, California, by 2030, transitioning to offices in Baldwin Park, California, and Tennessee. She expressed excitement about the new office in Franklin, Tennessee, where she participated in a groundbreaking ceremony last year.
While Snyder aims for growth, she reiterated her commitment to maintaining the company’s original values, stating, “we don’t want to be on every corner,” indicating that expansion to states east of Tennessee is not currently planned.
“Florida has begged us and we’re still saying no,” she added, indicating a cautious approach to future locations.