WATCH: President of Popular Californian Burger Chain Announces Her Family & Company HQ Are LEAVING the State

The exodus from California continues — and this time, it’s not just everyday citizens packing up and leaving. One of the state’s most iconic business leaders has officially announced she’s done with California’s increasingly hostile climate for families and businesses.

Lynsi Snyder, the president of In-N-Out Burger — California’s beloved fast food chain — just revealed that she and her family are moving out of the state and relocating the company’s headquarters to Franklin, Tennessee. In an exclusive interview with journalist Allie Beth Stuckey, Snyder opened up about the tough decision, the challenges of raising a family in California, and why doing business there has become nearly impossible.

“Raising a family is not easy here,” Snyder said plainly. “Doing business is not easy here.”

Snyder, the granddaughter of In-N-Out’s founders, explained that the company is building a new office in Tennessee — not just for growth, but also to offer a better environment for employees and their families. While the majority of In-N-Out locations will still remain in California, the company is setting up a new base of operations in a state that’s seen as more business- and family-friendly.

The transition won’t happen overnight. Snyder said they’re planning a gradual move to give employees ample time to prepare. The Irvine, CA headquarters will officially close by 2030, with plenty of support for staff throughout the process.

While California still represents In-N-Out’s roots, Snyder made it clear that the company’s future growth lies elsewhere. The decision also reflects Snyder’s personal values — rooted in her Christian faith and a desire to prioritize both community and company culture. She emphasized that the move aligns with the broader mission of maintaining In-N-Out’s foundational principles, even as the brand expands into new territories.

Interestingly, Snyder touched on past comments about limiting expansion to “west of Texas” — but admitted the plan has evolved. With distribution now reaching Tennessee from Texas, the brand can expand without compromising on quality. She joked that it was Kid Rock, a Tennessee resident, who humorously redrew the map that helped change her mind about the Southeast.

Though states like Florida and others on the East Coast have begged for an In-N-Out presence, Snyder said those requests are still on hold. For now, the focus remains on expanding responsibly and maintaining the brand’s unique appeal.

In this rare, personal interview, Snyder also shared untold stories about In-N-Out’s early struggles, her own journey to leadership, and how faith has shaped both her life and business decisions. Her honesty and transparency offer a compelling look into what it means to stay true to your roots while embracing necessary change.

You can watch the full conversation here: