In-N-Out Billionaire on Why She's Ditching California: 'Raising a Family and Doing Business Isn't Easy Here'

America's beloved burger chain In-N-Out is relocating its headquarters from California to Tennessee, marking a seismic shift for the 76-year-old company that has become synonymous with the Golden State's dining culture.

Billionaire owner Lynsi Snyder confirmed the headquarters move during an appearance on a podcast, revealing the decision stems from both personal desires to raise her family outside California's urban centres and mounting operational challenges within the state.

The relocation forms part of In-N-Out's broader expansion strategy into America's Southeast, signalling the privately-held chain's most significant geographical pivot since its 1948 founding.

A Mix of Personal and Business Decisions

In a recent guest appearance on the 'Relatable' podcast hosted by Allie Beth Stuckey, Snyder said, 'There are a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,' she said.

She also added that she aims to maintain the legacy of her grandparents, Esther Snyder and Harry Snyder, who founded the chain in 1948 at Baldwin Park, California.

'Number one priority is keeping the company the same company that my grandparents started as... We have to have some growth, but we also don't want to be on every corner... We don't want ever to compromise our values and standards and the cornerstones that my grandparents laid down,' she added.

Notably, In-N-Out previously refused to comply with California's vaccine card mandates during the pandemic, which led to the temporary closure of their branches in the state at the time.

More Practical Logistics

Snyder also shared specific insights about the logistical benefits of moving In-N-Out's headquarters to Tennessee. She said, 'We're able to reach Tennessee from our Texas warehouse. So, we're not putting our whole meat facility where we do all of our beef and send it to our stores, make patties.'

She added, 'We're not going to have that there. We will have a warehouse, but we will not process our meat there. So, we'll be able to deliver from Texas.'

Her statement highlights that Tennessee's location allows for efficient distribution, supported by their existing Texas meat facility, enabling them to expand without duplicating complex production operations. This logistical setup ensures continuity in quality control and supply chain efficiency, while facilitating growth into new regions.

Continuing Fast-Food Powerhouse Status

Despite challenges in its operations due to refusals to comply with specific government mandates, as well as its faith-centric brand philosophy, In-N-Out remains a powerhouse despite its private status.

Data indicate that the chain generated US$1.823 billion (£1.35 billion) in fiscal 2022 across approximately 400 locations. Moreover, recent reporting from LeadIQ estimates that annual revenue reached $5 billion (£3.70 billion) as of July 2025.

That dramatic rise underscores the brand's regional dominance, fueled by its refusal to franchise, strong unit economics, and steady expansion into eight states under the leadership of Lynsi Snyder. Leveraging premium ingredients, higher-than-average wages, and cult-like loyalty, In‑N‑Out achieves some of the highest average unit volumes—about $4.5 million (£3.33 million) per store in 2024, yielding 20% margins.

In-N-Out's strategic shift to Franklin, Tennessee—including relocating its eastern headquarters by 2026 and phasing out the Irvine office by 2030—marks a calculated realignment under Lindsey Snyder's leadership.

While the bulk of its 400+ restaurants will stay rooted in the West, this dual-headquarters model supports sustainable growth in the Southeast without diluting the chain's core values or compromising its famed quality standards.

The announcement sent shockwaves through California's business community, with In-N-Out joining an exodus of major corporations fleeing the state's regulatory environment. Tennessee's business-friendly climate, lower taxes, and central location for Southeast expansion proved decisive factors.

The headquarters shift will affect corporate operations but won't immediately impact California's 400 restaurant locations, although industry analysts suggest this marks the beginning of In-N-Out's gradual eastward expansion.