In-N-Out Burger president shares story behind family-run business

Summary

In-N-Out Burger, founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, has grown into a multibillion-dollar fast-food chain with 402 stores across eight states. Lindsey Snyder, the current president, shares the company's humble beginnings and its commitment to quality and customer service. Despite challenges, including the tragic deaths of family members, Snyder has maintained the brand's integrity, resisting trends like mobile ordering to preserve the dining experience. The company remains privately held, with a focus on simplicity and family values, including a famous secret menu and a Bible verse on packaging. Lindsey's son is now part of the business, and there are plans to expand to Washington State and Mexico, though an East Coast expansion is unlikely.

Takeaways

• 🍔 In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast fast-food chain known for its burgers, has a unique story and is currently led by Lindsey Snyder, a non-traditional president for a multibillion-dollar company.
• 🏢 Founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, In-N-Out started with an innovative drive-through speaker system and has grown to 402 stores across 8 states.
• 👵 The company has a history of humble beginnings and tragedy, with leadership passing to Esther after Harry's death, and then to Rich who was killed in a plane crash.
• 👧 At just 17, Lindsey Snyder became the sole blood relative left and started her career at In-N-Out like any other employee, without special treatment.
• 👩‍💼 At 27, Lindsey stepped into the role of President of In-N-Out Burger, bringing a fresh perspective and confidence to the position.
• 💼 Lindsey has made strategic decisions, particularly regarding pricing during inflation and increasing minimum wage, showing a commitment to customer value.
• 🚫 In-N-Out has chosen not to adopt mobile ordering to preserve the quality of the service experience, reflecting the company's dedication to its traditional values.
• 📜 Faith plays a significant role in the company, with Bible verses featured on most pieces of packaging, a practice initiated by Lindsey's uncle.
• 🏛 Lindsey confirms that In-N-Out will remain a private company, not interested in franchising or going public, and intends to keep the menu simple.
• 🍟 The company is known for its secret menu, including items like Animal Style burgers and fries, and the Flying Dutchman, a favorite named after Lindsey's father.
• 📈 Despite no plans to expand to the East Coast under Lindsey's leadership, In-N-Out has confirmed moves into Washington State and Mexico, indicating strategic growth.

Q & A

Who founded In-N-Out Burger and in what year?

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948.

What was unique about In-N-Out Burger when it first started?

In-N-Out Burger started with a drive-through speaker system, which was unique at the time.

How many stores does In-N-Out Burger have and in how many states are they located?

In-N-Out Burger has 402 stores across 8 states.

Who is currently running In-N-Out Burger and what makes her unique in her role?

Lindsey Snyder is currently running In-N-Out Burger. She is unique because she is not your average president of a multibillion-dollar company, and she started from the ground up, just like any other employee.

What was the tragic event that led to Lindsey Snyder becoming the only blood relative left in control?

After Harry Snyder died in 1976, control was handed to Rich, who was later killed in a plane crash. At just 17, Lindsey was the only blood relative left.

How old was Lindsey Snyder when she became the president of In-N-Out Burger?

Lindsey Snyder became the president of In-N-Out Burger at the age of 27.

What is Lindsey Snyder's approach to pricing during times of inflation and increasing minimum wage?

Lindsey Snyder has made specific and strategic choices to not raise prices as much as others, feeling an obligation to look out for the customer.

What is In-N-Out Burger's stance on mobile ordering and why?

In-N-Out Burger does not offer mobile ordering because it impacts the service experience, which they believe is an essential part of their brand.

How does faith play a role in In-N-Out Burger's operations?

Faith is important to Lindsey Snyder and is a part of the company's identity. A Bible verse is printed on most pieces of packaging, a practice started by her uncle.

What is In-N-Out Burger's position on franchising or going public?

In-N-Out Burger is not interested in franchising or going public. Lindsey Snyder confirms that the company will stay private.

What is the 'Flying Dutchman' and how is it connected to Lindsey Snyder?

The 'Flying Dutchman' is a favorite burger order at In-N-Out Burger, which includes two slices of cheese and is named after Lindsey Snyder's father's nickname.

Are there any plans to expand In-N-Out Burger to the East Coast under Lindsey Snyder's leadership?

Lindsey Snyder has indicated that there are no plans to expand to the East Coast under her leadership.

What recent expansion news did In-N-Out Burger confirm?

In-N-Out Burger confirmed that they are moving to Washington State followed by Mexico.