In-N-Out has spent decades making fans wait, and a few more states may soon get their turn.
Owner and president Lynsi Snyder named Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma as possible expansion states in a recent interview with actor Terry Crews, though nothing is confirmed.
What Snyder Said
The interview was released to mark the chain's 78th anniversary. Snyder said the company has "earmarked" a few states for potential growth, and pointed to a map that includes Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma as possibilities. There are no confirmed locations or opening dates in any of the three, but they're clearly on the chain's radar.
Why Those States
The talk of new states comes as In-N-Out builds out its presence in Tennessee, where it has opened a new regional headquarters in Nashville. Combined with its distribution center and patty-making facility in Texas, the new base makes it easier to supply restaurants across the South. The company has said each of the three states sits within reach of that Texas facility.
Why Growth Is Slow on Purpose
In-N-Out has long kept its growth deliberate. It doesn't use freezers, microwaves, or pre-packaged ingredients, so everything is delivered fresh from its warehouses in California and Texas, which limits how far a restaurant can be from them. Snyder has also said that part of the chain's appeal is that it isn't everywhere, and that she doesn't want to chase a number of stores.
What About the East Coast?
For fans in the Northeast and elsewhere on the East Coast, the news isn't as encouraging. Snyder said that while many states want the chain, an East Coast expansion isn't in the works or planned.
What's Already Coming
In-N-Out currently operates more than 400 restaurants across 10 states, and the company has confirmed that a new location in New Mexico is on the way, along with additional restaurants in California.
The Takeaway
If you live in Arkansas, Mississippi, or Oklahoma, it's worth keeping an eye out, but there's no timeline yet. For now, the chain's growth is expected to stay slow and measured.
