In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder has addressed backlash online following her announcement to relocate her family to Tennessee amid the company’s eastward expansion.
In a video posted to Instagram July 21, the billionaire heiress explained the company headquarters is not moving but it is expanding with an office in Tennessee to “support growth.” The $125 million corporate hub will be located in Franklin’s Berry Farms neighborhood and is expected to open later this year.
Snyder added that moving to the Volunteer State provides In-N-Out associates “wonderful opportunities” to buy a home, raise a family and be a part of the expansion in a different U.S. location.
“Where I raise my family has nothing to do with my love and appreciation for our customers in California,” she continued. Here’s what else to know.
President of In-N-Out Burger Lynsi Snyder hugs Governor Bill Lee after giving him a In-N-Out Burger apron after Lee announces that the restaurant will be coming to Tennessee during a press conference at Franklin, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.
In a video featuring In-N-Out imagery over the years, Snyder expressed pride in the company’s roots and said that “moving to Tennessee is a very healthy plan for their growth,” citing numerous opportunities for In-N-Out employees in Tennessee and potentially in neighboring states.
“It’s tough here in California and this doesn’t have to do with my love or loyalty to the state and our customers, but I love our associates and I would love to offer them this just like we’ve offered other states that provide different things to them,” she said. “The dream of a home and a family is more feasible there for sure.”
She emphasized that the company’s relationship with its customers is built on love, calling them the most important part of the business and a reason why In-N-Out remains deeply committed to customer service and quality.
“Whether we are in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah — go down the list, each one of those states has the same mission to serve our customers but we never forget where we came from,” said Snyder. “We never forget our roots.”
During her appearance on the “Relatable” podcast, Snyder expressed frustrations with California and announced plans to relocate her family to Tennessee, where In-N-Out will open its second headquarters.
“There’s a lot of great things about California,” Snyder said. “But raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here.”
She also criticized the state’s handling of COVID-19 regulations, referencing the 2021 shutdown of two In-N-Out locations by health officials for failing to check customers’ vaccine status, USA TODAY reported.
“You’ve got to do this,” Snyder said of the vaccine mandate for indoor dining. “You have to have this plastic thing between us and our customers. It was really terrible, you know? And I look back, I’m like, we should have pushed even harder on that stuff. We’re not policing our customers.”
Snyder’s announcement drew mixed reactions online, while some expressed empathy for her decision, others criticized her for speaking negatively about the franchise’s home state.
“Every In-n-Out I drive past has such a massive line that the staff has to go outside and take pre-orders. It’s the flagship fast food restaurant of California,” said one post on X. “She’s lying.”
“‘Not easy for In-N-Out to do business in California…” Said the person who became a billionaire doing business almost exclusively in California. So much so, it was a point of pride for the chain. Gotcha.'” read another.
No, Snyder said “the bulk” of In-N-Out stores will in remain California.
By 2030, Snyder said the company will completely close its Irvine office, but the Baldwin Park headquarters will remain open, overseeing West Coast operations.
In-N-Out currently operates more than 400 restaurants nationwide, with 300 located in California. The company has plans to open 35 locations in Tennessee.
A sign for a future In-N-Out Burger in Lebanon as construction was starting.
Several In-N-Out restaurants have been announced for Middle Tennessee, with many already under construction. They include locations in: Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Madison, Antioch and Franklin.
