In-N-Out Burger president and billionaire heiress Lynsi Snyder is leaving California and taking her family — and part of her business — along with her. The move comes as the company expands its footprint in the southeastern United States, with plans for a new corporate hub and dozens of new restaurant locations.
“There’s a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,” Snyder said in a recent interview on the “Relatable” podcast.
While the company’s main operations and most of its restaurants will remain in California, the burger chain is building a second headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, which is expected to open next year. Snyder says she will oversee operations from the new location and guide the company’s strategic growth in the region.
“Most of our stores are still going to be here in California, but it will be wonderful having an office out there, growing out there,” Snyder said.
Tennessee expansion plans
In-N-Out has made it clear the move to Tennessee does not mean a departure from its California base, though the restaurant chain said it does plan to phase out its Irvine headquarters in California by 2030.
Snyder emphasized that despite national interest, particularly from East Coast states, In-N-Out remains committed to limiting its reach as part of its company identity and strategy.
“Florida has begged us and we’re still saying no. East Coast states — we’re still saying no,” she said.
California challenges
The decision to relocate some operations comes amid what Snyder describes as increasing difficulty doing business in California.
In 2023, In-N-Out permanently closed its Oakland location after 18 years due to what the company said was surging crime in the area — a notable move, as it marked the first restaurant closure in the company’s 77-year history. Snyder noted that the Oakland location was still profitable at the time of its closure.
The relocation may also reflect broader frustrations among business owners with California’s economic and regulatory environment. Snyder voiced frustration during the interview over California’s regulations during the pandemic, which led to one location in San Francisco being temporarily closed.
What’s next?
According to the company, about 500 employees currently work at the Irvine corporate office. Some may be relocating to Tennessee, while others will move to the company’s Baldwin Park office in California.
The first In-N-Out restaurant in Tennessee is expected to open in 2026. The company is actively preparing to open 35 restaurants across Tennessee in the coming years.
