"Challenges of Family Life Drive In-N-Out Owner to Leave California for the East"

Lynsi Snyder, the owner of In-N-Out Burger, has made a significant decision to leave California and relocate to Tennessee. This move marks a major change for Snyder and her family, who have deep roots in California, where they built the iconic fast-food chain over three generations.

In-N-Out Burger operates around 400 locations across several states, including California, Arizona, and Texas, but has chosen to expand slowly rather than go nationwide. Snyder, who is known for her strong Christian beliefs, has expressed concerns about rising crime rates in California. She pointed out that the company had to shut down its Oakland location last year due to safety issues for employees.

Snyder announced her plans on a podcast with conservative host Allie Beth Stuckey, sharing that she is moving to Franklin, Tennessee, where the company is establishing a new office. She emphasized that raising a family and doing business in California has become increasingly difficult. By 2030, In-N-Out plans to close its office in Irvine, consolidating operations in Baldwin Park, where the company was founded more than 77 years ago.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, In-N-Out faced challenges, including a refusal to check customers’ vaccine statuses in San Francisco, which led to temporary closures. Snyder stood firm on the company’s values during this time, stating that they would not police their customers.

Snyder is focused on maintaining the legacy of her grandparents while also allowing for growth. She aims to expand the company carefully without compromising its core values. The move to Tennessee represents a new chapter for In-N-Out as it seeks to grow in the southeastern U.S. while keeping its foundational principles intact.