Lynsi Snyder, the billionaire president of In-N-Out Burger, has been at the forefront of efforts to maintain affordable pricing at the famous fast-food chain amidst rising operational costs due to inflation and California’s recent minimum wage hike. Since assuming leadership of the family-owned business at the age of 27 in 2010, Snyder has been determined to balance fiscal responsibility with a commitment to the brand’s loyal customer base.
During a candid interview with TODAY, Snyder revealed the intensity of internal debates aimed at preventing significant price hikes on the menu. She recounted instances of standing firm against suggestions for raising prices, emphasizing her duty to protect the interests of In-N-Out customers. Unlike many of its competitors who opted for immediate profit gains through increased menu prices, In-N-Out chose a different path, reflecting Snyder’s leadership ethos and her desire to uphold the company’s customer-first philosophy.
The context of these discussions is particularly relevant given the recent enactment of a California law that mandates a minimum wage of $20 per hour for workers at fast-food chains with more than 60 locations nationwide. This legislation, which represents a notable increase from the state’s general minimum wage of $16, has prompted many fast-food establishments to adjust their pricing strategies. For instance, a Burger King in Los Angeles increased the price of its Double Texas Whopper by nearly 12% shortly after the law’s implementation.
In contrast, In-N-Out’s response to the wage hike was markedly restrained, with Snyder’s Los Angeles restaurant raising burger prices by merely 25 cents and drink prices by just a nickel. This modest adjustment was welcomed by patrons, who found the increases to be minimal and reasonable.
Snyder’s leadership decisions extend beyond pricing strategies. She has also been cautious about adopting digital trends that could potentially compromise the customer service experience that In-N-Out is known for. Specifically, the company has resisted mobile ordering and third-party delivery services, prioritizing direct interactions with customers over convenience.
In-N-Out’s commitment to its roots and values is further exemplified by its stance on remaining a privately-owned, family-operated business. Snyder has consistently rebuffed suggestions for selling the company or going public, expressing pride in In-N-Out’s identity as a faith-based organization. This is evident in the Bible verses featured on the chain’s packaging—a subtle nod to the company’s foundational principles.
As In-N-Out navigates the challenges and opportunities of the modern fast-food landscape, Lynsi Snyder’s leadership style—marked by a blend of steadfastness, customer loyalty, and a deep reverence for the company’s heritage—continues to define its path forward.