In-N-Out Burger CEO Eyes Expansion into Three New States
Lynsi Snyder indicates Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma are potential locations for future restaurants, emphasizing quality over rapid growth.
In-N-Out Burger CEO Lynsi Snyder has identified Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma as potential future locations for the popular fast-food chain, underscoring a deliberate strategy of growth centered on maintaining the company's core values and quality.
Snyder, who leads the company founded by her grandparents Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948, stated in a recent interview that expansion is being approached cautiously. "Quality matters more than quantity" when it comes to adding new In-N-Out restaurants, she said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the chain's commitment to cleanliness, high-quality ingredients, and friendly service.
"I just want to make sure that everything is right and that our In-N-Out family is strong, and we’re retaining all those values," Snyder explained. "If I ever felt like we were slipping or losing our way, growth would look a lot different."
The company prides itself on fresh ingredients, with all deliveries made directly to each restaurant. In-N-Out does not utilize microwaves or freezers, and its burgers are made from fresh beef prepared in patty-making facilities in California and Texas.
This cautious expansion approach follows recent growth into new territories. In August 2025, Washington state welcomed its first In-N-Out restaurant. The year prior, the company expanded into Tennessee, opening its first location there on December 10, marking its easternmost presence to date. As of now, there are five stores in Tennessee, with a sixth location anticipated.
Looking further ahead, New Mexico is slated to receive its first In-N-Out restaurant in 2027, which will be the chain’s 11th state. This move was announced in 2023.
Despite these expansions, Snyder expressed that the chain's deliberate pace of growth is intentional. "I feel like there’s a special peace knowing that In-N-Out isn’t everywhere," she said, adding that while it might seem like the chain is expanding rapidly, it is not.
California, where In-N-Out was founded as the state's first drive-thru hamburger stand, remains central to the company's identity. With 299 locations in California, Snyder affirmed, "This is where we started, it’s where we are now and it’s where we’ll always be."