In-N-Out Burger’s Expansion Efforts and East Coast Setbacks: Insights from CEO Lynsi Snyder
In a recent podcast appearance, Lynsi Snyder, the CEO of In-N-Out Burger, revealed her plans to relocate her family from California to Tennessee as the fast-food chain continues its growth in the Volunteer State. This announcement has generated considerable buzz, particularly following the company’s expansion strategy unveiled earlier this year.
Despite the excitement surrounding their Tennessee operations, Snyder’s interview contained a notable revelation that may disappoint In-N-Out devotees across the Eastern United States. She stated unequivocally that the beloved chain has no imminent plans to venture into states like Florida or elsewhere on the East Coast. “Florida has pleaded with us, and our answer remains no,” she told Allie Beth Stuckey on the podcast Relatable. “The other Eastern states? Still a no.”
The California-based franchise is set to establish a regional headquarters in Franklin, a suburb of Nashville, with operations anticipated to kick off next year. According to the Nashville Business Journal, In-N-Out is evaluating up to 35 potential locations in Tennessee, supported by a distribution center in Lancaster, Texas.
Notably, In-N-Out emphasizes quality through its commitment to using only fresh, never frozen, ingredients, which limits their locations to within a 500-mile radius of their distribution facilities. Snyder clarified that while a warehouse would be established in Tennessee, the company would not produce their own beef there.
The expansion could potentially extend to neighboring states within the distribution range, which may ignite excitement among burger enthusiasts in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, who might dream of enjoying classic favorites like Double-Doubles and Animal Fries in their locales.
Snyder, the granddaughter of In-N-Out’s founders, Harry and Esther Snyder, expressed that the company prioritizes maintaining its high standards over rapid expansion. “We want to grow, but not at the expense of being on every corner or in every state. Our core values and standards, established by my grandparents, must remain intact,” she emphasized.
Currently, In-N-Out operates over 400 locations across eight states: California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and Idaho, with plans to open its first site in Washington state shortly.