In-N-Out Owner’s Move to Tennessee Ignites Debate: Is California Losing Its Appeal? – Breaking News

Baldwin Park, CA – July 23, 2025 – A seemingly personal decision by In-N-Out Burger’s sole owner, Lynsi Snyder, to relocate her family from California to Tennessee is sending ripples through the business world and sparking a renewed debate about the Golden State’s future. This isn’t just about a burger empire shifting gears; it’s a high-profile endorsement of a growing trend: Californians are leaving, and Tennessee is becoming a destination. This is breaking news with significant implications for the economy, family life, and the very fabric of California’s identity.

Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of In-N-Out Burger. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, San Gabriel Valley Tribune/SCNG)

The Billionaire’s Reasoning: Why Tennessee?

Snyder, worth an estimated $7.3 billion, didn’t mince words in a recent podcast appearance. She cited the challenges of both raising a family and running a business in California. “California has many wonderful things, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here,” she stated. This sentiment, while not new, carries significant weight coming from a prominent business leader. In-N-Out will be establishing two operational bases – moving its West operations from Irvine back to its original Baldwin Park location, and creating a new center in Tennessee, signaling a major strategic shift.

Data Dive: California vs. Tennessee for Families

But is Snyder’s assessment backed by data? Archyde.com dug into five leading “best states for families” rankings (WalletHub, Consumer Affairs, Money Rates, Home Snacks, and Birth Injury Lawyers Group). The results, compiled into a comprehensive score based on health, safety, education, quality of life, and economic factors, paint a clear picture: Tennessee consistently ranks higher than California. While neither state is a top performer – Tennessee landed at 37th, and California a dismal 46th – the difference is statistically significant.

Breaking Down the Rankings: Where Each State Falls Short

• Health, Safety & Education: California (37th) edges out Tennessee (41st), but both lag behind states like New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
• Quality of Life: Tennessee (27th) offers a noticeably better quality of life than California (38th), with Massachusetts and Wisconsin leading the pack.
• Economy: This is where California truly struggles, ranking among the worst (4th from last). Tennessee, while not a powerhouse, is comparatively more affordable.

Beyond Family: The Business Climate & Employee Landscape

The data extends beyond family considerations. California’s business climate is also under scrutiny. Ranked 30th for ease of doing business, it pales in comparison to Tennessee’s impressive 4th place ranking. Furthermore, while California boasts a strong employee protection record (3rd best), Tennessee is rapidly improving, and the cost of labor is significantly lower. This is a critical factor for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

The Exodus is Real: Migration Patterns Tell the Story

Snyder isn’t alone in her move. Census Bureau data reveals a substantial outflow of Californians to Tennessee. Between 2021 and 2023, 69,400 Californians voluntarily relocated to Tennessee – representing 11% of all newcomers to the Volunteer State. While 14,200 Tennesseans moved to California during the same period, the net migration clearly favors Tennessee. This trend underscores the growing dissatisfaction with California’s high cost of living, restrictive regulations, and perceived decline in quality of life.

California’s Resilience: A Population Still Stands Strong

Despite the outward migration, California remains the most populous state in the nation, with 38 million residents. However, the state has experienced a population decline of 90,000 between 2020 and 2024, second only to New York. Tennessee, conversely, has added 300,000 residents, becoming the seventh fastest-growing state. The numbers speak for themselves: while California isn’t emptying out, it’s losing ground.

The decision by Lynsi Snyder to move In-N-Out’s operational center eastward isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a powerful symbol of a shifting demographic and economic landscape. Whether this signals a long-term trend or a temporary blip remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over California’s future is far from over. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the factors shaping the future of the Golden State and beyond. Explore our Business Section for more insights into economic trends and relocation patterns.