January 1, In-N-Out CEO Teases Heartland Expansion Plans

Wyatt’s Take

• In-N-Out is eyeing Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma while keeping quality above rapid growth.
• The chain refuses to sacrifice its family values, fresh ingredients, or personal service for speed.
• This slow-and-steady approach stands in sharp contrast to corporate chains racing to expand anywhere they can.

Lynsi Snyder, the woman running the In-N-Out burger empire, sat down with television host Terry Crews and dropped hints about future growth into Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

She made clear that her grandparents’ company will never chase growth just to chase growth.

“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 said.

She added that if she ever sensed the chain was slipping or losing its way, expansion would look very different.

The company still follows the same rules it started with in 1948: fresh beef, no freezers, no microwaves, and every ingredient delivered daily.

Burgers come from company patty plants in California and Texas, and every store stays spotless with friendly service.

From a tiny 100-square-foot stand in Baldwin Park, California, the chain has grown to nearly 300 locations in its home state alone.

Washington state got its first In-N-Out last August, and Tennessee now has five stores with a sixth on the way.

New Mexico is set to open in 2027 as the eleventh state on the map.

“I feel like there’s a special peace knowing that In-N-Out isn’t everywhere,” Snyder told Crews.

She stressed the chain is not growing like crazy and only moves when it can keep every promise it makes to customers.

“Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma. There are some states there that are possibilities,” Snyder said.

Even with new states on the horizon, California remains the heart of the operation.

“This is where we started, it’s where we are now and it’s where we’ll always be,” Snyder said.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland families value quality over flash and tradition over trends. Companies that remember their roots and put people first deserve our support.