Self-Reliance
In-N-Out President’s Bold Move to Tennessee
In a bold move that underscores the enduring values of faith, family, and freedom, Lynsi Snyder, the dynamic and faith-driven president of In-N-Out Burger, is set to relocate her family from the increasingly challenging environment of California to the welcoming embrace of Tennessee. This decision aligns with the expansion of the beloved burger chain into the eastern United States, with a new office taking shape in Franklin, just south of Nashville.
Snyder, who has been at the helm of In-N-Out since 2010, shared her thoughts on the matter during a recent podcast appearance.
“There’s a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here,” Snyder candidly expressed. “Doing business is not easy here.”
With her family’s move to Tennessee, Snyder is not only embracing a new chapter for her family but also steering the company towards growth in the Southeast. “We’re building an office in Franklin, so I’m actually moving out there,” she confirmed, highlighting the strategic importance of the new location while reassuring that California will remain central to the company’s operations.
“The bulk of our stores are still going to be in California,” Snyder emphasized. “It will be wonderful having an office out there, growing out there and being able to have the family and other people’s families out there.”
This expansion comes as a response to the increasing difficulties of conducting business in California, where the state’s stringent regulations have posed significant challenges. Snyder recalled the hurdles faced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, particularly the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s mandate for restaurants to check customers’ vaccine cards.
“You’ve got to do this, you have to wear a mask, you gotta put this plastic thing up between us and our customers, and it was really terrible, you know,” she recounted.
In-N-Out made headlines for its principled stand against these mandates, resulting in temporary store closures. “It was a brief moment, but it’s worth it,” Snyder added, reflecting on the company’s commitment to its values.
Snyder’s leadership is not only marked by business acumen but also by a deep commitment to Christian values, which have been a guiding force for the company. Since the 1990s, In-N-Out has included Bible verses on its packaging, a tradition initiated by Snyder’s uncle, Rich, and expanded by Snyder herself.
“It was my uncle Rich who put the Bible verses on the cups and wrappers in the early ‘90s, just before he passed away,” Snyder explained. “He had just accepted the Lord and wanted to put that little touch of his faith on our brand.”
Her faith journey has also inspired her to establish Army of Love, a ministry dedicated to discipleship and spiritual mentorship. “I knew that I would be a part of a ministry that would unify the Body of Christ into soldiers who would reach out to one another and to the lost in the last days,” she shared, underscoring the importance of deepening one’s spiritual walk.
This move to Tennessee is not just a business decision; it is a testament to Snyder’s commitment to her family and her faith. By relocating, she is ensuring that her children are raised in an environment that aligns with her values, while also positioning In-N-Out for continued success. As the company expands eastward, it remains rooted in the principles that have guided it since its founding in 1948, proving that faith and family are indeed the cornerstones of freedom and prosperity.
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