Californians are not relishing In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder’s decision to move the beloved burger chain’s headquarters from California to Tennessee, with some even calling for a boycott in response.
Snyder, 43, announced on the “Relatable” podcast that In-N-Out’s current headquarters in Irvine will close by 2030 as part of a long-term plan to consolidate operations in Baldwin Park, where the company began in 1948. A new co-headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, is also set to open in 2026, where Snyder will be based.
“There’s a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,” Snyder told podcast host and conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey, adding that the company is looking to expand into the South.
The Independent has contacted In-N-Out for comment.
Customers in the Golden State are furious on social media. Many pointed out that Tennessee’s lack of state income tax and lower minimum wage may be influencing In-N-Out’s move.
Privately owned by the Snyder family, the Christian-run company has faced past criticism for anti-LBGTQ and anti-vaccine views, though previous boycott efforts have had little financial impact.
This time, one Reddit user said in a thread, “Time to boycott. If you really hate business in California, then California hates doing business with you.”
“Uhhhh... ‘hard to do business?’” someone else questioned Snyder’s explanation. “How is it that she's worth several BILLION dollars, most of which is from us???
“This is an idiotic mindset,” a third person sounded off. “ In-N-Out provides great job opportunities for the people of California. If you did this to everyone, California would be even more in shambles than it already is. California is the problem, not In-N-Out.”
Another added about the billionaire, “California has treated their family and their business very, very well. This is simply ungrateful and shameful.”
Others suggested it’s time to focus on local California burger joints rather than a chain that serves “literally the saltiest burgers I have ever had.”
“The burger is good, but not enough to put up with lining her pockets anymore,” one person agreed. Smash burgers are everywhere now, or I can make them at home. Expansion also puts into question their vow that they couldn’t provide the same quality if they left the West Coast. Not worth it to go.”
