In response to California’s increase in minimum wage, the owner of In-N-Out Burger, Lynsi Snyder, has taken a firm stance against the industry’s inclination towards inflating prices. In a candid conversation with NBC’s Savannah Sellers, she expressed her determination, stating, “I was sitting in meetings going toe-to-toe saying we can’t raise the prices that much. We can’t.”
Not Budging On Price Integrity
During a time when a lot of fast food restaurants are making rash decisions to raise their operational cost on their customers, Snyder is unique and refuses to push a menu price increase.
Her position, especially after California’s $20 an hour minimum wage increase, demonstrates her commitment to keeping dining cost reasonable.
Building From The Ground Up
Instead of following a path of privilege, Snyder’s story at In-N-Out is marked by her gradual rise from entry-level positions to the presidency by age 27.
Looking back on her experiences, Snyder pointed out, “I think that there is a stigma that can come with being the owner’s kid.”
Fast Food Price Hikes
In a report from The New York Post, customers from Burger King In Los Angeles recently dealt with a pretty big shock when the Double Texas Whopper went up by almost 12%, going from $15.09 to $16.89 in just a matter of days.
It wasn’t the only price increase, the store’s Big Fish sandwich saw an increase of 53%, a shocking $4 increase that drove the cost from $7.49 all the way to $11.49.
A Modest Price Adjustment During Rising Costs
Amidst a significant rise in competitors prices,one of Snyder’s Los Angeles-based In-N-Out locations made a modest adjustment, only raising the cost of one of its burgers by 25 cents.
Shawn Fields, one of the customers shared with The New York Post, “It’s such a nominal increase.” He further commented, “It seems like a reasonable amount.”
Opposition To Mobile Ordering
For close to a decade, In-N-Out has upheld a firm stance against mobile ordering. A policy that hit center stage when the then emerging DoorDash was making attempts to deliver its meals.
In a report from TMZ, the burger chain took legal action against the delivery service in 2015. Claiming that a lack of trust in the third-party services uphold strict standards in handling and delivering food.
Tradition Vs Tech Trends
Confronted with the choice between tradition versus technology, Snyder has decided to uphold the latter, especially in her position against implementing mobile ordering.
She explained, “No to mobile ordering because that impacts the service experience.”
Contrast In Fast Food Trends
Just a month prior to voicing her opinion about mobile ordering, Chick-Fil-A garnered attention by opening a new ‘grab and go‘ spot in New York City.
The innovative approach to fast food eliminated the conventional setup with a cashier, tables, and chairs. Instead, customers had to order prior to showing up on the phone and just stop by and pick up their food. This also came with zero options for sitting down and dining in.
Prioritizing Tradition Over Convenience
Snyder continues to champion In-N-Out’s founding principles, regardless of the temptations of creating more efficiency within the daily operations with tech advancements.
She asserts, “There are a lot of things that could be cheaper, easier, but that’s not the system we go through.”
Embracing Genuine Leadership
Looking back on her early years, Synder remembers adopting a formal business attire to establish her authority.
She said, “In the earlier days, I actually wore pants suits, and I did that because I felt like I was supposed to.”
A Deliberate Approach To Expansion
In expressing her vision for In-N-Out, Snyder emphasizes the importance of keeping up the brand’s distinct appeal over aggressive nationwide expansion.
She noted, “I don’t see us stretched across the whole U.S.”
In-N-Out’s Dedication To Family Values
Snyder is not a stranger to getting calls and messages trying to influence her to either sell In-N-Out or launch it into the public market with an IPO.
Despite this, her response remains the same, a clear and hard no. She appreciates the fact that In-N-Out is a family-run, private business and doesn’t turn away from her weaving her faith into the fabric, something that is visibly echoed in the Bible verses you’ll find on the packaging. Snyder says, “We’re a family company, we’re a private company, and this is who we are. I’m unashamed of my faith.”
