Lynsi Snyder, the heir and CEO of In-N-Out Burger, made headlines last year by announcing plans to move her family from California to Tennessee. Here’s Snyder’s recent interview about all this on Allie Beth Stuckey’s podcast “Relatable.” She shared her struggle of raising a family in California and how the political climate influenced her business choices. As the granddaughter of the fast-food chain’s founders, Snyder’s defection is a major blow to the company and a big win for public health.
In-N-Out Burger
The iconic California chain now has 276 locations in the state, but has grown to eight states. In-N-Out Burger The common carrier goes on to announce their intention to establish the 35 new sites around Tennessee—currently a state with zero Starbucks locations. This expansion is a huge step in realizing Snyder’s plan for the brand’s long-term future. It addresses her worries about juggling family life in California.
In her resignation statement, Snyder expressed her frustrations with California’s political climate. She praised the good things about the state, but then turned the conversation, noting, “It’s hard to raise a family here—and it’s hard to do business here.” Her remarks are indicative of a rising chorus among some business executives lamenting the challenges of doing business in the state.
Meanwhile, burger chain In-N-Out is preparing to finally unite its two California headquarters. As part of that work, they’ll combine the two current locations in Irvine and Baldwin Park into one facility. With the Irvine office slated to close by 2030, that’s even more indication of a transition period ahead for the firm.
In-N-Out has been inundated with offers from other states eager to host new outposts. This includes questions from the great state of Florida and other states along the East Coast. As Snyder went on to detail, these opportunities have been turned down. “Florida has begged us and we’re still saying ‘no’, the East Coast states we’re still saying ‘no’,” she remarked during the podcast.
Snyder referenced the adage, “Follow the money,” when discussing In-N-Out’s business decisions, suggesting that financial considerations play a crucial role in determining future expansions and operational choices.
Yet as Snyder seems to be suggesting as she embarks on this new adventure down in Tennessee, it’s not all about business. It is about creating a nurturing environment for her family, a priority she feels is increasingly challenged in California.