Guided by the same values since 1948, In-N-Out Burger® is a family business—and a family.

Back in an era when carhops delivered burgers and shakes to the windows of hungry motorists, Harry and Esther Snyder launched a revolution within a small 10’ x 10’ space in Baldwin Park, California. Harry’s unique two-way speaker box introduced the state to its first drive-thru hamburger stand.

The first In-N-Out Burger location owed its success to more than how quickly visitors could cruise in and drive out with their meals. The Snyders also ensured that every one of those meals measured up to their simple business philosophy: “Give customers the freshest, highest quality foods and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling-clean environment.” Through the years, Harry and Esther’s sons, and today, their granddaughter Lynsi Snyder (In-N-Out Burger owner and president) have all carried that founding philosophy forward—along with the family’s deep commitment to the thousands of Associates who are all part of the In-N-Out family.

A culture of quality that spans generations.

The In-N-Out family began its growth gradually. Lynsi’s father Guy and uncle Rich both learned the business and helped build its values from the ground up, working with their parents from an early age. At the time of Harry Snyder’s death in 1976, (two years before the company’s 30th anniversary) just 18 drive-thru locations had been established.

Taking over as president at the age of 24, Rich Snyder worked with his brother Guy to establish a commissary at the company’s Baldwin Park headquarters, ensuring total quality control over In-N-Out ingredients. Meanwhile, the brothers reinforced the service aspect of the family’s business philosophy by creating an In-N-Out University. Also located near company headquarters, it introduced consistent training for new managers and today continues to reinforce the values that are so integral to In-N-Out’s success.

During Rich’s presidency from 1976 until his death in 1993, In-N-Out grew from 18 locations to 93. Guy Snyder (whose full name, Harry Guy Snyder, reflected his father’s) then became chairman of the board and CEO, bringing his own energy and vision to the expansion. From California to Nevada, and with plans for Arizona, Guy had grown In-N-Out Burger to 140 locations by the time of his death in 1999.

As times change, In-N-Out remains the same.

As president, Lynsi Snyder helps guide the future of the In-N-Out Burger family of over 36,000 Associates at more than 385 locations, each restaurant remains dedicated to the same classic menu of burgers, fries and fountain drinks first introduced by her grandparents—freshly prepared to each guest’s liking and never relying on microwaves or freezers. To this day, whole, locally-grown produce is sliced and prepped by Associates daily at every restaurant for each hamburger, cheeseburger, and signature Double-Double® Burger. Fresh whole potatoes are peeled and diced by hand for made-to-order french fries, and classic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes are made with real ice cream. Recently, the company brought back the taste of genuine hot cocoa.

When it comes to customer service, In-N-Out’s standards remain equally high. It’s the In-N-Out Associates, many of whom have been with In-N-Out for decades, who carry forward the time-honored values and practices established by Harry and Esther Snyder, ensuring every customer (and burger) is consistently served with the In-N-Out signature smile. Consistency that is achieved through uncompromising commitment: “There is no shortcut to growing great leaders through training,” Lynsi has stated when recognizing In-N-Out managers-all of whom started their careers in entry-level positions within the company. Their dedication and teamwork along with In-N-Out Associates employed at every level continue to attract growing numbers of loyal customers—while also earning In-N-Out the third highest position on Glassdoor’s 2021 list of America’s best places to work. Ultimately, In-N-Out’s unparalleled commitment to quality points to a singular priority: the customer. Every decision made at every level within the organization ensures this “number one asset” is at the core. In the words of In-N-Out Associates, “Customers are the reason for our success.”

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