In-N-Out Burger Relocates Headquarters to Tennessee

News Summary

In-N-Out Burger has decided to move its corporate headquarters from California to Franklin, Tennessee, according to owner Lynsi Snyder. This decision comes amid various challenges in California, including regulatory issues and a desire for a better quality of life. The move is part of the company’s plans to expand in Tennessee with 35 new restaurant locations. Despite the relocation, In-N-Out remains committed to its California locations, emphasizing its values and commitment to social issues.

Tennessee – In-N-Out Burger has announced its decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Franklin, Tennessee, amid the growing challenges faced in California. Lynsi Snyder, the owner and president of the iconic fast-food chain, shared the news during an appearance on the “Relatable” podcast. Alongside the corporate move, Snyder confirmed that she and her family will also be moving to Tennessee in pursuit of a better quality of life.

The relocation marks a significant transition for In-N-Out, which has deep roots in California where it was founded in 1948. The new office in Tennessee was initially announced as part of the company’s expansion plans into the southern state in 2023. As part of this initiative, In-N-Out aims to open 35 new restaurant locations across Tennessee with specific sites targeted in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Lebanon.

Despite the move, In-N-Out remains committed to its existing California locations, which number 281, and there are no current plans to close these outlets. The decision to relocate comes in response to the difficulties Snyder has faced in raising her family and managing business operations within California’s regulatory environment. Moreover, Snyder and her husband have co-founded organizations focused on combating human trafficking and substance addiction, emphasizing their commitment to social issues beyond the fast-food industry.

In-N-Out has typically been recognized for its Christian values, often displaying Bible verses on its packaging. Additionally, the company has demonstrated a conservative political alignment, contributing $120,000 against government-run healthcare initiatives in the early 2000s and donating between $25,000 to $30,000 to California Republicans from 2016 to 2020. In the years that followed, the political contributions increased significantly, with notable expenditures amounting to $12.8 million aimed at opposing California’s $20 minimum wage law from 2022 to 2024.

In response to recent developments, In-N-Out had to make operational adjustments, including increasing menu prices due to labor union agreements. One of the more historic decisions made recently was the closure of an 18-year-old location in Oakland, a move precipitated by concerns about rising crime in the area. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, In-N-Out’s resistance to vaccine mandates resulted in the temporary closure of two San Francisco locations, a situation Snyder later expressed regret over, wishing they had pushed back harder against the stringent California health mandates.

While In-N-Out is expanding its footprint in Tennessee, Snyder emphasized the importance of upholding the values established by her grandparents when the company was founded. The expansion strategy remains focused primarily on the West Coast, signaling that In-N-Out has no current intentions of fully transitioning to the East Coast despite interest from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Currently, the company operates a total of 400 locations spread across eight states, which include Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah.

As these changes unfold, Snyder stated that the overarching goal remains centered on maintaining the quality of their food products and continuing to serve their loyal customer base. The shift to Tennessee not only represents a new chapter for In-N-Out Burger but also reflects broader trends in business that favor states with perceived friendlier economic environments, a factor that continues to resonate with many corporations across the United States.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Realtor.com: In-N-Out Heiress Lynsi Snyder Move California to Tennessee
• Bloomberg: In-N-Out Billionaire Heiress Leaving California for Tennessee
• Fortune: In-N-Out Heiress Moves to Tennessee
• SF Chronicle: In-N-Out Lynsi Snyder
• USA Today: Lynsi Snyder In-N-Out Podcast Appearance
• Wikipedia: In-N-Out Burger
• Google Search: In-N-Out Burger