In an interview with TODAY, In-N-Out Burger president Lynsi Snyder discussed how she is trying to keep prices affordable amid inflation and a recent California wage hike.
Snyder’s rise to the top
The billionaire heiress took over the business in 2010 when she was 27. She opened up about the minimum wage raise in California and how she fought not to increase the fast food company’s prices. The wage hike to $20 caused McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Starbucks to warn they would further increase costs, but the In-N-Out Burger president had other ideas.
Looking after the customers
The heiress said she attended numerous meetings and was determined to avoid making significant price increases due to an obligation toward the customers. Instead, In-N-Out Burger burgers only went up for 25 cents, and sodas rose a nickel.
Snyder against mobile ordering
The president of the legendary Southern California fast-food chain shared that the company remains against mobile ordering because she does not want it to impact the customer experience. Despite acknowledging there are ways to make things cheaper, that is not always Snyder’s goal.
In-N-Out’s lawsuit
In 2015, the burger chain reportedly filed a suit against DoorDash to stop the now-popular app from delivering its food. According to TMZ, DoorDash used In-N-Out’s logo despite being told several times that they were not interested in their services.
Family company
The heiress, who started working at the family business at 17, reminded people that In-N-Out Burger is a family company, and she is not ashamed of packaging having Bible verses. She went on to talk about the initial pressure and how she wanted to earn respect.
Climbing the ladder
Snyder, 41, admitted there was stigma being the owner’s child, and she did not receive special treatment to earn respect. The fast food chain was started in 1948 by Lynsi’s grandparents, Esther and Harry Snyder. Lynsi Snyder is their last living blood relative.
Young billionaire
The 41-year-old became one of the youngest billionaires after taking over the company in 2010 and gaining complete control in 2017. Initially, she did not feel confident, so she wore power suits because she believed it would make her feel better, but Snyder finally accepted that people will judge you no matter what.
Unusual family history
In her book, The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger, Snyder discussed how three generations struggled with abuse and addiction while maintaining a thriving business. Snyder’s father died at 47 after an accidental overdose. He was left devastated following his brother’s death in the plane crash.
No plans to become like other fast-food chains
Snyder said that opening locations in every corner of the US would diminish the business’s luster, and not being available everywhere is what makes In-N-Out Burger unique. Expansion has been slow but steady, and Snyder takes great pride in her business practices.
Coming to Washington state
The first In-N-Out Burger will be coming to Washington state in 2025. The location is Ridgefield in Clark County. Details are still being discussed, and the social media confirmation from the company has asked fans to stay tuned.
In-N-Out’s popularity
The company made a name for itself by using fresh, high-quality ingredients and meat free of additives, fillers, and preservatives. The menu is simple, and there are no significant changes. This dedication to quality earned the fast food chain fans among famous foodies like Chef Gordon Ramsey.
A different response to minimum wage raise
Self-service kiosks, cutting hours, and raising prices are the most common reactions to the minimum wage increase in California. Some fired workers before the law took effect on April 1, while others are thinking of closing locations and moving out of California. That’s what makes Snyder’s reaction, or lack of it, unique.
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