In-N-Out Burger is a regional chain of fast-food restaurants with locations primarily in the American Southwest. The company was founded in 1948 by Harry Snyder and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, and is currently owned and operated by their children, Lynsi Snyder, and Rich Snyder.
The In-N-Out franchise has been described as “one of the most secretive and successful companies” in the fast-food industry. The restaurant chain has developed a cult following among celebrities, athletes, and other public figures, and has been ranked as one of the best burger chains in the United States.
Despite its popularity, In-N-Out has not expanded outside of its home market in the American Southwest. The company has been described as “reluctant” to franchise its business model and has only granted a handful of franchises over the years.
So, to answer your question: no, In-N-Out is not an open franchise. The company has only granted a handful of franchises over the years, and it is not currently looking to expand outside of its home market in the American Southwest.
FAQs about In-N-Out
1. How Much does it cost to start an In-N-Out?
The cost of starting an In-N-Out Burger franchise varies depending on a number of factors, including the location of the restaurant and the size of the building. However, it is estimated that it would cost approximately $1.5 million to start an In-N-Out Burger franchise in the United States.
2. What type of food does In-N-Out serve?
In-N-Out Burger specializes in hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, shakes, and sodas. The restaurant chain is known for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and secret menu items.
3. Do you have to be a certain age to start an In-N-Out?
There is no specific age requirement to start an In-N-Out Burger franchise. However, it is important to note that the restaurant chain is not currently looking to expand outside of its home market in the American Southwest.
4. What are the requirements for starting an In-N-Out?
The requirements for starting an In-N-Out Burger franchise vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the restaurant and the size of the building. However, it is estimated that it would cost approximately $1.5 million to start an In-N-Out Burger franchise in the United States.
5. Does In-N-Out have a drive-thru?
Yes, In-N-Out has a drive-thru. The restaurant chain is known for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and secret menu items.
6. When did In-N-Out start offering Franchises?
In-N-Out has only granted a handful of franchises over the years and is not currently looking to expand outside of its home market in the American Southwest.
7. What is the In-N-Out Burger secret menu?

The In-N-Out Burger secret menu is a collection of items that are not listed on the restaurant’s regular menu. These items can be ordered by asking for them by name or by using one of the secret menu codes.
Some of the most popular items on the In-N-Out Burger secret menu include the Animal Style burger, the Grilled Cheese sandwich, and the Flying Dutchman.
8. What is In-N-Out known for?
In-N-Out Burger is known for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and secret menu items. The restaurant chain has developed a cult following among celebrities, athletes, and other public figures, and has been ranked as one of the best burger chains in the United States.
Despite its popularity, In-N-Out has not expanded outside of its home market in the American Southwest. The company has been described as “reluctant” to franchise its business model and has only granted a handful of franchises over the years.
9. How many locations does In-N-Out have?
In-N-Out Burger currently has 300 locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. The company has no plans to expand outside of its current markets.
10. When was In-N-Out founded?
In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder. The first restaurant was opened in Baldwin Park, California, and the company has since expanded to 300 locations in five states.
11. What is In-N-Out’s annual revenue?
In-N-Out Burger does not publicly disclose its financial information. However, the company is estimated to generate $1 billion-plus in annual revenue.
History of In-N-Out

In-N-Out Burger is an American regional fast-food hamburger chain founded in 1948. The chain operates primarily in the American Southwest, with locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas. The company is currently headquartered in Irvine, California.
In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California. The couple opened their first restaurant on October 22, 1948. The restaurant was originally called “Hamburger Handout”, but was later renamed “In-N-Out Burger”.
The Snyders originally designed their restaurant to be a drive-thru-only establishment; however, they eventually added a small seating area to accommodate customers who wanted to eat on the premises.
In-N-Out Burger became one of the first fast-food chains in the United States to offer a “drive-thru” service. The company also pioneered the concept of the “double-double”, a burger with two patties and two slices of cheese.
In-N-Out Burger expanded slowly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, opening new locations in Southern California. The company opened its first location outside of California in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968.
In 1976, Harry Snyder died and his son Guy Snyder took over as president of In-N-Out Burger. Guy Snyder oversaw the expansion of the company into Arizona and Nevada.
In 1987, Guy Snyder died in a plane crash and his sister, Joan, became the president of In-N-Out Burger. Under Joan’s leadership, the company expanded into Utah and Texas.
In 1992, Joan Snyder died of cancer and her husband Rich Taylor became the new president of In-N-Out Burger. Rich Taylor oversaw the expansion of the company into its current markets.
In 2006, Rich Taylor died and his son Mark Taylor became the new president of In-N-Out Burger. Mark Taylor is the current president of the company.
In-N-Out Burger has remained a privately held company throughout its history. The Snyder family controls a majority of the company’s shares, with Harry Snyder’s granddaughter Lynsi Torres owning a 50% stake in the business.
Conclusion:
In-N-Out Burger has been ranked as one of the best burger chains in the United States by multiple publications, including Consumer Reports, Zagat, and The Daily Meal.