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

TODAY Food

10 Apr 202404:55

Summary

TLDRIn-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.

Outlines

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🍔 In-N-Out Burger's Legacy and Leadership

The script introduces Lindsey Snyder, the president of In-N-Out Burger, a multibillion-dollar fast-food chain known for its burgers. Founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, the company started with a drive-through speaker system. Lindsey Snyder, who comes from humble beginnings, discusses the company's growth to 402 stores across eight states and its popularity among the rich and famous. The narrative also touches on the personal tragedies that have shaped the company's leadership, including the deaths of Harry Snyder and his son Rich, which led to Lindsey, at just 17, becoming the sole blood relative and eventual president at 27. She emphasizes her commitment to the company's values, starting from the ground up and avoiding special treatment.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger is a popular American fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries, and shakes. Founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, it started with a drive-through speaker system. The company is now run by their granddaughter, Lindsey Snyder. The brand is not an average fast-food chain due to its commitment to quality and customer service, as well as its unique 'secret menu' offerings.

💡Lindsey Snyder

Lindsey Snyder is the current president of In-N-Out Burger. She represents the third generation of the Snyder family to lead the company. The script discusses her journey from being the only blood relative left after a family tragedy to becoming the president at the young age of 27. Her leadership style and decisions, especially regarding pricing and service, are highlighted.

💡Drive-through

The drive-through service is a fundamental aspect of In-N-Out Burger's original business model, as it started with a drive-through speaker system. This concept allows customers to order food without leaving their vehicles, which was innovative when introduced and continues to be a defining feature of the brand.

💡Family Company

In-N-Out Burger is described as a family company, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of its operations. The company's values and decisions are deeply influenced by the Snyder family's beliefs and traditions. For example, the script mentions a Bible verse on most pieces of packaging, reflecting the family's faith.

💡Secret Menu

The 'secret menu' refers to a list of non-advertised items that customers can order at In-N-Out Burger. These items are not listed on the regular menu but are well-known among regular customers. Examples from the script include 'Animal Style' burgers and fries, and 'The Flying Dutchman', which was the reporter's father's favorite burger.

💡Expansion

The script discusses In-N-Out Burger's expansion plans, which are selective and strategic. Lindsey Snyder confirms that there are no plans to expand to the East Coast under her leadership, but the company is moving into Washington State and then Mexico. This indicates a careful approach to growth that maintains the brand's quality and service standards.

💡Private Company

In-N-Out Burger is a private company, meaning it is not publicly traded on a stock exchange. This allows the Snyder family to maintain control over the business and its decisions without external pressures from shareholders. The script confirms that Lindsey Snyder has no interest in franchising, an IPO, or selling the company.

💡Inflation

Inflation is referenced in the context of the company's pricing strategy. Lindsey Snyder discusses resisting the urge to significantly raise prices during times of inflation, out of a sense of obligation to the customers. This decision reflects the company's commitment to value for money.

💡Minimum Wage

The concept of increasing minimum wage is mentioned in relation to strategic choices made by In-N-Out Burger. The company seems to navigate these external economic factors carefully, aiming to maintain affordability for customers while also ensuring fair compensation for employees.

💡Mobile Ordering

Mobile ordering is a modern technology that many fast-food chains have adopted to streamline service. However, Lindsey Snyder states that In-N-Out Burger has chosen not to implement mobile ordering because it could impact the service experience. This decision underscores the company's focus on the quality of the customer interaction.

💡Tradition

Tradition plays a significant role in In-N-Out Burger's operations and identity. The script mentions the company's resistance to change for the sake of convenience or cost savings, choosing instead to uphold its original principles and practices. This includes maintaining a simple menu and a family-run business model.

Highlights

In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast fast-food chain known for its burgers, has a rich history and is now run by Lindsey Snyder.

Founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, In-N-Out started with a drive-through speaker system.

Lindsey Snyder comes from humble beginnings and is not your average president of a multibillion-dollar company.

In-N-Out Burger now has 402 stores across 8 states and has amassed a significant following, including celebrities.

After Harry Snyder's death in 1976, control was handed to Rich Snyder, who was killed in a plane crash.

At just 17, Lindsey was the only blood relative left and started working at In-N-Out like any other employee.

Lindsey Snyder stepped into the role of President of In-N-Out Burger at the age of 27.

Lindsey initially wore pantsuits to fit the role but eventually embraced her identity.

She has made strategic choices, especially during inflation and increasing minimum wage.

In-N-Out has resisted raising prices significantly despite market pressures.

Lindsey Snyder is committed to maintaining the customer service experience and has declined mobile ordering.

In-N-Out's packaging features Bible verses, reflecting the company's faith-based values.

The company remains private and has no plans for franchising or an IPO.

In-N-Out's menu is simple, but it has a famous secret menu known to regulars.

Lindsey's oldest son is already involved in the family burger business.

In-N-Out has confirmed plans to expand to Washington State and Mexico.

Lindsey Snyder has no plans to expand to the East Coast.