California Roots: In‑N‑Out’s Promise to Stay Despite Expansion Plans

Snyder appeared in a video interview with Terry Crews and vowed that In‑N‑Out would never abandon California. She described any idea of pulling the chain from the state as the "dumbest business decision ever." The burger empire began when her grandparents opened the first location in Southern California back in 1948. Since then the brand has spread across the state and into other parts of the nation.

Last year Snyder moved her family to Tennessee, saying raising kids was tough there and that "doing business is not easy" in the state. This sparked worries that the company might follow her out of California. In an Instagram post she reassured fans, "We’re not leaving California, or leaving our roots behind. Each one of our locations is here to stay." The brand has also clashed with officials, refusing to enforce vaccine proof rules during the pandemic and reluctantly raising prices after California increased fast‑food wages in 2024.

Even with a broader corporate trend of moving headquarters to places like Texas, In‑N‑Out keeps its main base in California and Tennessee. The chain is adding many new spots within the Golden State and is already present in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Washington and Tennessee. Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico are being eyed for future growth. Snyder stressed a slow, steady pace that protects the food quality and values her grandparents built.

Snyder called her move to Tennessee "kind of a God thing." She originally wanted to live in Colorado because she loves the mountains, but her husband suggested Tennessee instead. After praying and reflecting, she felt it was the right choice for her family.