California Exodus: In-N-Out Burger Owner Leaves State, Citing High Cost of Living

In-N-Out Burger CEO Lynsi Snyder will relocate to Tennessee as the company expands its operations there. Snyder cited California's high cost of living and tough business climate as reasons for her departure. The company's corporate headquarters will remain in California, and Snyder clarified that no In-N-Out restaurants will be shut down. Snyder's move follows other prominent business leaders who have left California due to high taxes, regulations, and operating costs.

In a significant business move, In-N-Out Burger CEO Lynsi Snyder has announced her relocation to Tennessee as the company expands its operations in the Volunteer State. Snyder cited California's high cost of living and challenging business environment as primary reasons for her departure. The company's corporate headquarters will remain in California, with no plans to shut down any of its existing restaurants. Snyder's move follows other prominent business leaders who have left California due to high taxes, regulations, and operating costs [1].

The decision to relocate comes as In-N-Out Burger plans to establish a corporate office in Tennessee, with an expected opening later this year. The new office, valued at $125 million, will be located in Franklin's Berry Farms neighborhood. Snyder emphasized that the move is not about leaving California but rather about providing new opportunities for In-N-Out associates in Tennessee and neighboring states [3].

Snyder's move to Tennessee is expected to offer significant tax benefits to both the company and its executives. According to Forbes, Tennessee ranks as the 7th most business-friendly state in the U.S., with a corporate income tax rate of 6.5%, compared to California's 8.84% [2]. Additionally, Tennessee does not levy an individual income tax, which could result in substantial savings for Snyder and other high-ranking executives. Moreover, the state's tax policies on capital gains and dividends may also benefit the company and its shareholders [2].

Snyder's announcement has sparked conversations about the broader trend of business leaders moving away from California due to its high taxes and regulations. Other notable figures who have made similar moves include Charles Schwab, Chevron, and Elon Musk, who cited regulatory issues, taxes, and high operating costs as reasons for their departures [1].

In-N-Out Burger's expansion into Tennessee is part of a broader strategy to grow its footprint in the East Coast. The company currently operates in eight states, with a significant presence in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. By establishing a corporate office in Tennessee, In-N-Out aims to better serve its growing customer base in the region and support its ongoing expansion efforts [3].

References:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/innout-ceo-moving-af175b4926847325970b5bcba52276fe
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/nathangoldman/2025/07/21/3-key-tax-benefits-for-in-n-outs-headquarters-move-to-tennessee/
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/n-ceo-lynsi-snyder-responds-192059245.html