Lynsi Snyder, the billionaire owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, is relocating her family from California to Tennessee, a move she attributes to the increasing challenges of raising a family and conducting business in her home state. This decision coincides with In-N-Out's significant eastward expansion, which includes establishing a new corporate office in Franklin, Tennessee. The relocation marks a notable shift for the leader of a company deeply rooted in California's culture.
Snyder has been candid about her reasons, citing issues such as rising crime, stringent business regulations, and the fallout from pandemic-era mandates. "There's a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here now," Snyder stated in a podcast interview, also criticizing rules that mandated vaccine card checks and strict masking policies for restaurants. She also highlighted the impact of California's new minimum wage law on fast-food costs.
The move aligns with In-N-Out's strategic growth beyond its traditional West Coast strongholds. The company announced plans in January 2023 to establish its Tennessee corporate office by 2026, while consolidating its California operations to Baldwin Park, where the chain was founded. This expansion marks a new chapter for the 77-year-old company, which has historically maintained a strong presence in California.
In-N-Out, founded by Snyder's grandparents Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948, has long been an iconic part of California's fast-food landscape. Snyder's departure and the company's expansion reflect a broader trend of businesses and individuals re-evaluating their presence in California due to economic and regulatory pressures. The company's headquarters in Irvine will be phased out by 2030, with staff transitioning to Baldwin Park or the new Tennessee location.