In-N-Out Burger Announces Expansion to Tennessee

Tennessee – Lynsi Snyder, the billionaire owner and CEO of In-N-Out Burger, has announced plans to relocate her family to Tennessee as part of the company’s expansion efforts in the region. This move aligns with the opening of a new corporate office and the establishment of 35 new restaurants around Nashville, including in cities such as Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Lebanon.

Snyder cited a challenging business and family environment in California, highlighted by high taxes, extensive regulations, and a high cost of living, as reasons for her decision to move. Despite relocating her family, she confirmed that the corporate headquarters for In-N-Out Burger will continue to be based in California. This dual presence appears to be a strategic response to the challenges faced in California while also seizing growth opportunities in Tennessee.

The decision comes amidst a larger trend of prominent business leaders relocating from California, where economic pressures have sparked concerns regarding the state’s business climate. Other notable figures who have made or expressed intentions to move out of California include financial magnate Charles Schwab, oil giant Chevron, and entrepreneur Elon Musk.

In-N-Out Burger, which was founded in 1948 by Snyder’s grandparents in Southern California, currently operates over 400 locations across eight states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. The company’s commitment to quality, such as never freezing its ingredients and establishing new locations within a reasonable distance from supply centers, has contributed to its success and loyal customer base.

The new Franklin, Tennessee office is slated for completion by 2026, indicating a long-term investment in the eastern United States. Snyder’s move is also seen as part of the company’s growth strategy, as Tennessee’s favorable business environment—characterized by the absence of a state income tax—presents an attractive option for expansion.

Since its last major expansion in 1992, In-N-Out has proceeded with caution in entering new states. This gradual approach ensures that the company maintains its high standards while exploring new markets. Snyder has indicated that raising a family and managing business operations in California has become progressively more challenging, a sentiment echoed by other business leaders who have left the state.

Online reactions to Snyder’s relocation have been mixed, with some individuals criticizing her decision to leave California, while others express their support for expanding to states that offer more business-friendly conditions. Nonetheless, Snyder has reassured her followers on social media that her love for California and dedication to her customers remains unchanged, even as her family transitions to their new home in Tennessee.

This move by In-N-Out Burger not only reflects the personal decisions of its CEO but also signals the larger economic trends influencing businesses in California. As the company takes steps to enhance its presence in the eastern U.S., it remains committed to its founding values while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the market.