The CEO of In-N-Out Burger, Lynsi Snyder, recently shared insights during an interview with actor Terry Crews, revealing that the popular fast-food chain is contemplating expansion into new states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. This interview was published on In-N-Out’s official website and their Facebook page on October 22.
Snyder expressed that the decision to enter Texas in 2011 felt “very right,” and now nearby states might be the next targets for the brand’s growth.
She noted, “There are other states… that are possibly under consideration. Looking at the map, besides Texas, there is Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. All of these states could potentially become our next goals.”
Additionally, Snyder hinted at the possibility of opening stores in New Mexico in the future.
Operating strictly on a corporate-owned model without franchises, In-N-Out currently manages over 400 locations across ten states. According to the company’s official website, they have established stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
In-N-Out was founded nearly 80 years ago in Southern California. In 1948, Snyder’s grandparents, Esther and Harry, opened the first In-N-Out Burger in Baldwin Park, California. As stated on the company’s website, this chain is celebrated as California’s first drive-thru restaurant, conveniently located near their home.
Esther handled the financial aspects of the business, while Harry was responsible for sourcing meats and other ingredients. Snyder revealed in a recent interview that Harry would frequently rise before dawn to visit the meat and produce market, earning him the local nickname of “Hamburger Harry.”
The company also incorporates biblical verses on its packaging. Snyder shared that this custom was introduced by her late uncle.
She commented, “He started printing scripture on the cups and burger wrappers, and over time, he added more verses.”
Snyder emphasized that In-N-Out has consistently maintained a “very robust growth rate.” Her late uncle, Rich, had envisioned expanding the chain to 200 locations by the year 2000. Although he passed away in 1993, the company achieved this goal in 2005.
The expansion outside California began only 40 years after the chain was established. The first location beyond California opened in Las Vegas in November 1992, after which the company extended its operations into several other states.
According to Snyder, it was her husband’s suggestion that prompted In-N-Out to venture into Tennessee last December. She recalled, “It felt like a sudden stroke of inspiration at that moment.”
She also mentioned the need for establishing a local office, noting that Tennessee would soon be her new place of residence.
Having spent her entire life in California, Snyder reflected on her upcoming move but emphasized that the “Golden State” will always remain a significant part of her life. She reminisced about California’s automotive culture, reminiscing about the surf music played by bands like The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean that echoed in her memories.
She remarked, “That is the place where our family has its roots, and it carries a very nostalgic, special feel.”