Popular Fast Food Chain Confirms Opening of 4 Locations in a New State
In-N-Out Burger is entering a new chapter, and Tennessee is the center of it. The beloved West Coast chain is preparing to open four restaurants across the Volunteer State, one of the most significant expansions in its 77-year history.
The company is expanding its presence in the Southeast with new locations in Lebanon, Antioch, Murfreesboro, and Franklin. Three of these openings are scheduled before the end of the year, while Franklin’s arrival is set for early 2026.
For residents who have watched In-N-Out’s growth from afar, this moment signals a major shift. Once the chain enters a new market, enthusiasm tends to spread quickly.
A Major Milestone for a Deliberately Growing Brand
Image via iStockphoto/Takako Phillips
In-N-Out has always taken an unusually cautious approach to expansion. Rather than rushing into new states, the company prioritizes control of its own supply chain and insists that all ingredients remain fresh rather than frozen. This standard limits how far each restaurant can be from distribution hubs, which is why its growth has historically been slow and selective.
The Tennessee rollout follows this same philosophy. Lebanon, Antioch, and Murfreesboro are expected to begin serving customers within weeks, while Franklin will join the lineup early in the new year. This staggered approach supports consistent staffing, training, and product quality.
New Infrastructure Supporting the Southeast Expansion
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To anchor its move into Tennessee, In-N-Out is establishing a new eastern territory office near Nashville. The facility will support regional operations, and company leaders have noted that Tennessee can be supplied from the chain’s Texas distribution center while the brand continues to expand.
The scale of the growth is also notable. Each restaurant will hire approximately 75 employees and offer a starting wage of $17.50 per hour. Additionally, the new Tennessee stores will be managed by long-standing In-N-Out leaders whose combined experience spans nearly six decades and would preserve the culture that has shaped the brand.
Part of the buzz surrounding this expansion stems from In-N-Out’s powerful cultural identity. Its menu has remained largely unchanged since 1948, and customers appreciate the simplicity of freshly prepared burgers, hand-cut fries, and classic shakes. Over the years, the chain has built a reputation not only for quality but also for its “secret menu,” which adds an element of discovery for first-time visitors.
In addition to its food, the company is widely recognized for its supportive workplace environment. Wages are higher than average in the fast food sector, and the chain promotes heavily from within. These practices have helped it earn a strong reputation among employees and contributed to consistently high customer satisfaction.
A New Era for a Classic Brand
Alongside the Tennessee expansion, In-N-Out is reshaping its operations in California. The company plans to close its Irvine headquarters by 2029 and unify its West Coast corporate team in Baldwin Park, the city where the brand began. The move aligns with comments from owner and president Lynsi Snyder, who recently stated that she and her family will relocate to Tennessee.
Snyder has been open about the challenges of running a business and raising a family in California. Her relocation is also personally motivated.
Tennessee’s four new restaurants are the first step in what may become a long-term regional presence.