In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder Leaving California, Claiming Business Challenges
In-N-Out Burger’s president and owner, Lynsi Snyder, announced in July that she and her family will relocate to Tennessee.
Speaking on the Relatable podcast, Snyder said California has become difficult for both raising a family and doing business, though she emphasized that most of the company’s restaurants will remain in the Golden State.
Why Tennessee?
Snyder cited a mix of personal and business reasons for the move. She pointed to Tennessee’s more family-friendly environment and a less restrictive business climate. For Snyder, the relocation isn’t just about lifestyle—it aligns with the company’s growing presence in the South, where In-N-Out is planning a significant expansion.
New Office in the South
As part of this strategy, In-N-Out is opening a corporate office in Franklin, Tennessee. First announced earlier this year, the office will support operations across new southern markets and help manage the chain’s expansion eastward. Some corporate staff are also expected to relocate to the new hub.
California Headquarters Stays Put
Despite her family’s move, Snyder reiterated that In-N-Out’s official headquarters will remain in Baldwin Park, California. The company recently consolidated its operations there, reinforcing its roots in the state where it was founded in 1948. Snyder stressed that California will continue to serve as the company’s heart, housing the bulk of its corporate functions.
February Signals of Change
Hints of this transition surfaced months before Snyder’s podcast appearance. In February, In-N-Out revealed plans to relocate some corporate staff to Tennessee. At the time, executives framed the move as a practical step to support southern expansion rather than a retreat from California.
California Still Dominates
Even with Tennessee gaining importance, California remains In-N-Out’s core market. Nearly 70 percent of the company’s restaurants are still located in the state, and Snyder emphasized that the brand’s cultural identity and legacy remain tied to its West Coast roots.
Public Reactions
Snyder’s decision sparked wide discussion, with some critics seeing it as symbolic of California’s economic challenges. Others noted that her personal move does not signal an abandonment of the state. Media coverage reflected both the cultural importance of In-N-Out to California and the growing trend of businesses seeking friendlier climates elsewhere.
A Careful Expansion Philosophy
Unlike other fast-food giants, In-N-Out has long resisted aggressive growth strategies. The company avoids franchising and has repeatedly ruled out East Coast expansion. Snyder’s move and the Tennessee office highlight a measured approach—growth that stays manageable while preserving the quality and culture of the brand.
Following a Broader Trend
Snyder’s relocation reflects a larger trend of high-profile business owners and executives leaving California. Rising costs, taxes, and regulatory pressures have fueled a wave of departures across industries. While In-N-Out remains deeply connected to its home state, the move underscores the pressures even legacy companies face in navigating California’s business climate.
Balancing Heritage and Growth
For Snyder, the Tennessee move is a personal decision but also a reflection of In-N-Out’s next chapter. The challenge ahead will be balancing the company’s California heritage with its growing footprint across the South. As the burger chain expands cautiously, it will need to preserve the values and identity that made it a West Coast icon.
