In-N-Out Ditching California for Tennessee, Owner Slams State’s Decline Under Democrats

In a move that’s sure to spark fresh debate over California’s business exodus, In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder has announced she’s packing up—and she’s not just talking about fries and milkshakes. The iconic burger chain’s top brass is heading to Tennessee, and Snyder isn’t mincing words about why.

Speaking on the Relatable podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, Snyder delivered a stinging critique of California’s policies, citing both family and business pressures as reasons for the major relocation.

“There’s a lot of great things about California,” Snyder said. “But raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here now.”

Translation: California’s progressive agenda has driven out yet another job creator.

Snyder, the granddaughter of In-N-Out’s founders Harry and Esther Snyder, revealed that she and her family are officially relocating to Franklin, Tennessee—a booming, business-friendly city just south of Nashville. But this isn’t just a personal move. It’s a seismic shift for the 76-year-old company.

The company is actively building a 100,000-square-foot office space in Franklin, a development that began in late 2024. The facility will soon serve as a second headquarters for the burger empire, pulling talent and operations out of the Democrat-run state that’s been home to In-N-Out since its founding in 1948.

“This is about being able to have a family out there, grow out there, and move people’s families out there,” Snyder said, referring to the opportunities Tennessee offers that California no longer can.

According to reports, corporate workers will be transferred either to the existing Baldwin Park office in California or to the new Tennessee campus, as the transition accelerates.

Snyder joins a growing list of CEOs and entrepreneurs who’ve had enough of California’s taxes, regulations, and soft-on-crime policies. Elon Musk. Joe Rogan. Oracle. The list keeps growing.

Critics say the Golden State has become the poster child for what happens when ideology trumps practicality—and businesses are voting with their feet.

Despite the shift, In-N-Out says it has no plans to shutter locations in California just yet. In fact, more stores are in the pipeline both in California and in red-state markets like Tennessee and beyond. But the writing is on the wall.

While Snyder hasn’t declared her political allegiance publicly, her actions speak volumes. In 2018, In-N-Out made headlines for donating $25,000 to the California Republican Party. At the time, progressives called for boycotts—only to be met with longer drive-thru lines.

“She’s sending a clear message,” said Brent Taylor, a Tennessee-based economist. “Tennessee offers freedom, family, and opportunity. California offers bureaucracy, broken promises, and higher crime rates. It’s not a hard choice anymore.”

President Trump, who has openly mocked California’s “communist-style leadership” in recent rallies, welcomed the news on Truth Social:

“Smart move by In-N-Out! We’re rebuilding this country one burger at a time. Tennessee is MAGA country!”

Locals in Franklin are already buzzing with excitement—and not just for the Double-Doubles.

“I grew up on In-N-Out in California,” said veteran-turned-contractor Jake Owens. “Now I get to have it here in a state that actually respects our values? It’s a win-win.”

As for California? It continues to hemorrhage businesses, families, and taxpayers at record rates.

Another American success story escapes California’s chokehold. In-N-Out is trading sunshine for sovereignty—and bringing its burgers to freer pastures.

What do YOU think? Should more companies follow In-N-Out’s lead?