The iconic West Coast burger chain In-N-Out is making its most significant geographical leap to date, confirming plans to open four new restaurants in the state of Tennessee. This marks a bold eastward expansion for the famously deliberate, family-owned company.
A Strategic Move into the Southeast
For a brand that has kept its roughly 400 locations tightly clustered in the western United States, the move into Tennessee represents a major strategic shift. The new restaurants will open in Lebanon, Antioch, and Murfreesboro in December 2024, with a fourth location in Franklin scheduled to commence operations in early 2026.
This expansion follows the chain's recent moves into Washington State in March 2023 and New Mexico earlier this year. Prior to 2024, In-N-Out operated in just eight states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, and Idaho. The Tennessee openings will officially be its most eastbound locations yet.
Leadership Shift and Corporate Expansion
The decision coincides with a significant personal and corporate move by the company's president, billionaire Lynsi Snyder. Five months prior to the restaurant announcement, Snyder revealed plans to establish a second corporate office approximately 20 miles south of Nashville. She is also relocating her family to Tennessee.
Despite this geographical shift, the company insists it is "not leaving California or leaving our roots behind." Its main headquarters will remain in Irvine, California. However, Snyder has been vocal about the challenges of operating in her home state, citing difficulties in raising a family and conducting business there.
Clashing with California Policy
Snyder's criticisms have extended to specific policy battles. In April 2024, she publicly opposed proposals to increase the minimum wage for fast-food workers in California to $20 per hour, arguing it would force unsustainable price hikes for customers.
"I was sitting in meetings going toe-to-toe, saying we can't raise the prices that much. We can't," Snyder stated in an interview with NBC. She emphasised her obligation to protect customers from significant cost increases.
While Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly reached out during the Covid-19 pandemic to encourage expansion into his state, Snyder has indicated that the company is not currently looking to move into Florida. This suggests Tennessee may represent the current frontier for the chain's measured growth, as it maintains its unique, non-franchised model and hyperlocal supply chain.
