Lynsi Snyder, the billionaire owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, has made it clear that the beloved California-based burger chain will not be relocating its corporate headquarters out of the state. Snyder tweeted his decision to open a second office—in Tennessee, of all places. He stressed that the firm was not abandoning California operations, even as the company will shutter its existing headquarters in Irvine by 2029.
In-N-Out Burger would be considered the ninth-largest burger chain in the United States by sales. That leads to an impressive combined estimated annual revenue of $2.1 billion. The firm operates more than 400 stores in eight Midwestern and Southern states. Its most robust representation is in its native California, as well as Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. Yet, as Snyder’s recent remarks emphasize, the tension between the needs of families and the demands of corporations is a precarious one.
Snyder stated during a recent interview, “We’re not moving In-N-Out Burger’s corporate headquarters.” This announcement, though welcome, comes as the company has grown from coast to coast, often at the expense of long-time quality and service. The decision to open a new office in Tennessee is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and support national growth.
Even with those broader challenges that come with raising a family in California, Snyder is still thankful for what makes the state so special. There are a lot of great things about California…but raising a family is not realistic here,” she explained. This approach is very well-tuned to the individual struggles so many families grapple with in California’s cost-burdened reality.
The Snyder family has deep roots in Baldwin Park, where the chain was originally founded by Lynsi’s grandparents in 1948. The company has plans to turn Baldwin Park into its new headquarters. She believes that her decision of where to raise her family does not undermine her continuing and deep commitment to the state of California represented by Snyder. “Where I raise my family has nothing to do with my love and appreciation for our Customers in California,” she remarked.
Supporters would point to the national expansion efforts of In-N-Out Burger as an example of a slow and steady approach. The company sticks to one non-negotiable rule: it never freezes its ingredients. This requires the new restaurants to be within a day’s drive of one of their supply hubs. This dedication to quality has been central to their brand promise of delicious, high-quality, premium goods.
California’s 22nd place finish on CNBC’s Top States for Business in 2025. Despite this, Snyder has chosen to remain, believing deeply in the state’s potential. The company is determined to navigate the challenges of California’s business climate while continuing to cater to its loyal customer base.
As In-N-Out Burger gears up for this new chapter, it remains focused on upholding its values and delivering quality food to its customers. The upcoming changes signal a strategic move that positions the company for future growth while honoring its storied past in California.