In-N-Out stands above all competitors not only because of its quality but also because of its positive association with the state it calls home (Sorry, Texas, Whataburger just doesn’t compare). But that relationship is slowly dwindling, and the “In-N-Out” name might soon describe the chain’s time in California.
In-N-Out was founded in California in 1948, becoming a West Coast juggernaut that operates differently from its many fast food competitors. The chain has not embraced the franchising model or gone public, ensuring that each new location is high-quality as it expands. It has slowly stretched to neighboring states and now reaches as far east as Texas, with new locations planned for Tennessee in the near future.
That growth into Tennessee is of particular note as California’s Democratic Party makes running businesses in the state more difficult. In-N-Out’s CEO moved her family to Tennessee, citing how hard it is to raise a family in California. The chain’s headquarters remains in California, but a new “eastern territory office” is opening in Tennessee, setting up the possibility for a future headquarters transition if California continues its Democratic death spiral…