In-N-Out president and heiress Lynsi Snyder opens up about faith, explains those Bible verses on packaging
The president of In-N-Out credits the chain’s success to more than just burgers.
In a new interview, Lynsi Snyder – whose grandparents founded the first of the restaurants in 1948 – opened up about the adversities she faced in her earlier years, and how they ultimately helped her to shape her future with the company.
Snyder, 37, recently told the Christian Post about how she strives to maintain the success of her family’s iconic chain with a little help from her faith.
"I’ve been the one to hurt, and I’ve been hurt,” Snyder said of her three rocky marriages, one of which she described as abusive.
“I have gained insight and growth through both sides of the coin,” she added before stressing her method of seeking “healing time with Jesus” before embarking on new relationships.
In a new interview with the Christian Post, Lynsi Snyder, whose grandparents founded the first of the restaurants in 1948, opened up about the adversities she faced in her earlier years. (Leonard Ortiz/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Snyder, 37, also lost her father in 1999 at the age of 17, a tragedy she partially dealt with by abusing drugs and alcohol, the Christian Post reports.
“I finally found that the deep need in my heart can only be filled by Jesus and my identity in Him,” she told the outlet
is also encouraged Snyder to found something called the Army of Love ministry to “unify the body of Christ into soldiers” and “unite various ministries.”
“The battle over souls is being waged in the heavenly,” she told the Christian Post. “We want to be on the front lines of this battle to save the lost and bring fallen Christians back to their first love.”
Snyder, who is now the owner and president of the chain – and became a certified billionaire by her 35th birthday, according to Forbes – says she’s very happy with the company and the people who work for it. They appear to be fond of her too, as she was recently ranked third in Glassdoor’s annual list of the 100 best CEO’s by employee approval, with a rating of 99 percent .
She’s also keeping up a tradition started by her uncle, Richard Snyder, who first put “John 3:16” on the bottom of the chain’s cups after rekindling his own relationship with his faith.
Snyder has previously said that the quality of the overall In-N-Out experience also remains essential to the business’ success. (iStock)
“It’s a family business and will always be, and that’s a family touch,” she said, explaining that it was actually her idea to put other verses (Proverbs 24:16 and Luke 6:35) to the fry containers and hot beverage cups.
Snyder has previously said that the quality of the overall In-N-Out experience also remains essential to the business’ success.
In an interview with Forbes in 2018, Snyder alleged that the quality of the experience – coupled with the fact that In-N-Out isn’t everywhere – are what make it so in-demand. In-N-Out has locations in California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, Oregon and Utah.
“I don’t see us stretched across the whole U.S. I don’t see us in every state. Take Texas — draw a line up and just stick to the left. That’s in my lifetime,” Snyder said of her plans for the family franchise.
“I like that we’re sought after when someone’s coming into town. I like that we’re unique. That we’re not on every corner. You put us in every state and it takes away some of its luster.”
Snyder originally became president of her family’s chain in 2010, after her late father, late uncle and brother-in-law served in the position. In-N-Out is currently worth upwards of $3 billion, according to recent estimates.
Janine Puhak contributed to this report.
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“The battle over souls is being waged in the heavenly,” she told the Christian Post. “We want to be on the front lines of this battle to save the lost and bring fallen Christians back to their first love.”
Snyder, who is now the owner and president of the chain – and became a certified billionaire by her 35th birthday, according to Forbes – says she’s very happy with the company and the people who work for it. They appear to be fond of her too, as she was recently ranked third in Glassdoor’s annual list of the 100 best CEO’s by employee approval, with a rating of 99 percent .
She’s also keeping up a tradition started by her uncle, Richard Snyder, who first put “John 3:16” on the bottom of the chain’s cups after rekindling his own relationship with his faith.
“It’s a family business and will always be, and that’s a family touch,” she said, explaining that it was actually her idea to put other verses (Proverbs 24:16 and Luke 6:35) to the fry containers and hot beverage cups.
Snyder has previously said that the quality of the overall In-N-Out experience also remains essential to the business’ success.
In an interview with Forbes in 2018, Snyder alleged that the quality of the experience – coupled with the fact that In-N-Out isn’t everywhere – are what make it so in-demand.
In my Jefferson City, Redding, we are getting our 2nd In and Out and our 1st Chick Fil-a.
I don't think it's an accident that those two chains are consistently the best liked fast food outlets, and #1 and #2 in customer service (they actually go back and forth in polls). Great customer service is intentional and when you see it in a chain, it has to come from the top.
A Chick Fil-a was just built near me a few months ago, and always busy. The service is impeccable. If you like salads, they have a good Cobb.
I’ll have to try it when it’s finished being built and open here.
Serving heart attack food is a battle for souls? Who knew that burgers were your first love? How bizarre, to equate religion with a hamburger. French toast, maybe ... but burgers?
From what I've heard, In N Out burgers are very overrated, but the Hollywood types made them famous, and now everyone thinks they're a Hollywood star if they, too, eat an In N Out burger.
Good to see that you're trying so hard to emulate the left.
Then you've heard wrong. Dead wrong. I can't remember when I have heard anything so wrong. In-N-Out is many things, but overrated? Hell, no.
Meh. It's a matter of personal preference, I suppose (and I don't think burgers have the fanatical fans that barbecue has, who will spend a half hour arguing over the best barbecue). I haven't personally tried one, but people I know who have say they're good, but not worthy of the nationwide hype; plenty of others are just as good. They're a huge Hollywood fad and I'm not sure I trust 90 pound actresses to tell me what the best burger is.
I have a local pub that makes one of the best burgers I've ever had. On the rare occasion when I eat a burger, I get it there. Burgers with short rib and brisket mixed in are just heavenly.
It is very good and it is busy all the time. There is no fast food place in town busier and their drive through line is long.
Of course, the liberal Hollywood elites worship this burger and made it famous. Good to know you're living up to your left coast creds.
I think I'm with you, mostly I'm gonna cook for myself. But if I go out to a restaurant it's gonna be a nice one not some fast food joint.
I agree. There was an In N Out burger not far from where I once lived and I tried it a couple of times. The meat was over done and tough, the buns were very dried out and the tomatoes were cut so thin you could see through them. However, there sure was a heap of lettuce.
The first time I tried it I thought it was just a slow day and so I decided to try it again. The second time was no better than the first, except, there was even more lettuce. I didn't even bother to finish the burger and never went back.
A year or so later I tried another In N Out and although the buns weren't as dry, the meat was also over cooked and tough, and paper thin tomatoes. But, there wasn't as much lettuce, however, what there was of it was hard. That was the last time I tried In N Out. Waste of money IMO.
Thankfully we don't have any in New York. I've heard of them but have no clue how good or bad the food is.
Putting scripture on their packaging is not a wise move.
She seems to forget that all don't believe in her God or any God.
That's too bad. There are three of them in Manhattan but none anywhere else in New York state it seems. And if you don't judge a restaurant on the quality of food, and courteous infallible service as important, you are missing out on some of the best in the country. As a matter of fact, I believe they are #1 in fast food. I guess sometimes ideology ruins the view.
I live in Western New York and I won't be driving to Manhattan anytime soon
why do the business names of religious fanatics reek of sexual innuendo? in and out burger, chik fil-a, masterpiece cakes? wtf?
Only if you're looking for it to be as such.
The only appeal to me was they were only available in California. (more places now)
I would have only tried it just to say I did.
I actually think this is a bad move. I don't see their base (Cali) liking this too much.
As long as they only print the cups in English, the majority of Californians probably don't even know what is on the cups. I could be wrong.
You are wrong unless a large percentage of non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians Americans, Native Americans are illiterate. While there is a significant (and somewhat disturbing) level of English illiteracy in California, it is far from the majority.
Depends on where one is I guess. Anything south of San Francisco and you may be wrong on that majority. JMHO
There are no In and Out restaurants east of Texas. Chick Fil-A Perhaps?
Possibly true I suppose, the stats I saw didn't get that specific
How else would I judge a restaurant?
And why do so many religious fanatics worship fast food? Do they want to meet their maker even sooner, by giving themselves heart attacks?
It's supposed to be better on the "Other Side", so why the Heck not ?
Most "Fitness Gurus" die at the exact age Non-Fitness Gurus die. Hell....Fitness Gurus have died at younger ages than the norm life span.
Most of us "Planet Dwelling Folks" ain't worried about dying. It's gonna come one day, so why not have fun until then.
Seems like putting those "offensive" verses on their packaging is absolutely killing their business, right?
Only worth $3 billion now.
People don't go there for the verses nor not go there because of the verses.
Eat right ...exercise daily ... die anyway
I'm not worried about being dead, but I do eat right and exercise because I want to enjoy the life I do have, and hope for a relatively quick, painless death when it comes.
I do think it hilarious that some of these religious types are bragging about how they eat at these places to stick it to non-believers ... would they start smoking if some idiot started printing scripture on cigarette packs?
You have to spend time figuring out how to eat right and that exercise thingy.....takes up times of your life too.
Beer, gin-n-tonics, Brats, BACON, Steak, Burgers (just Helping get rid of cows) cookouts, travel, eating, shooting, boating..... Just plain fun stuff. That's my "Health regiment" !
"I do think it hilarious that some of these religious types are bragging about how they eat at these places to stick it to non-believers"
Oh....stop believing stuff. They've always ate there, they're now just gonna go there more than they did !
Probably only to perverted, less-educated people does it appear that way.
Normal people don't think so.
they've ignored the obvious religious sandwich franchise, loaves and fishes. I recommend tilapia on white bread.
I've never had a bad burger from In-N-Out. Their fries are superior because they are fresh and not frozen. It is the one place I can get a decently strong iced tea. Now if you want a place where the Hollywood Elite meet, Pink's Hot Dogs is it. Bruce Willis even proposed to Demi over a Pink's dog.
The long line of cars waiting at our In-N-Out is most times so long that we have renamed it In-N-Wait. But it is worth the wait. Their food is that good. I also like that they have employees will take orders for those in line. The orders are ready to go as soon as you get to the pay window.
Exactly. The soda cups have had John 3:16 on them for about thirty years or so.
I usually eat right and get exercise and have a planet fitness membership. That doesn’t preclude going to a fast food place every so often. Even they have some healthy food options and sugar free drinks.
I have a tough time with their fries. They have a good flavor for the reasons you mentioned, but for me, they don't fry them right. You can order them well done, which helps a little, but they just don't nail the proper blend of crispy outside, tender inside. I don't what it is. Maybe it's the oil. Maybe it's the temperature.
Or the thickness, who knows.
We found a perfect place recently for Philly Cheese Steaks, Crabby Fries and Burgers on Amarosa rolls.
2nd or 3rd time I went for pick up.
I noticed a new poster that said
"If you don't say Merry Christmas and God bless America, we won't serve you, turn around and leave the way you came in."
Sounds unConstitutional to me,
but the Crabby Fries and Onion Rings might be worth the risk.
Then again Braums is cheaper...
Just saying.
Sounds dickish to me. It's probably not unconstitutional, though. There are restaurants that won't serve Republicans, for example, and it's fine. Either way, it's stupid. I say Merry Christmas and I sing God Bless America, but I'll be damned if I'm going to perform my faith and patriotism for anyone, much less for their burger.
The poster is nothing more than a reminder of the culture war culture war we are in. I doubt they would force one to say either phrase to get service but it is nice to see none the less. If their service was good and the price right, that poster would be a further incentive to frequent that business.
I have to admit, when I used to eat red meat I liked In-n-Out. Haven't eaten there in years now though and it had nothing to do with their politics. We'll see if their current President's desire to push her personal faith instead of just pushing good product will have any effect on the companies bottom line here in California. Unfortunately I predict this public faith stance will have an adverse effect on investors. Perhaps they will make up for it with a large evangelical surge of supporters, but it's certainly a gamble. I doubt "Jefferson City" will be able to replace the lost business in Los Angeles and San Francisco this decision might produce.
There's nothing political about putting some scripture on a paper cup.
You'd be wrong. They've been doing it for many years. Since the 80s. And they're doing just fine.
What decision? They have been putting the Bible verses on the cups for years now. Nothing new there. Are you talking about the ministries she involves herself in on her own? Or would SF and LA customers prefer she was still abusing drugs and alcohol instead of being a Christian? Don’t forget the Central Valley in Ca. and Texas where none will take offense at her beliefs.
There are no investors as like Chick Fil-a it’s a privately held company. There are no politics of note since they gave the same amount to the GOP and the Dems in Ca. though the Dem party chair tried to organize a boycott because they gave to Republicans too. The boycott was a spectacular failure.
what investors, it's a privately held company
Like most Californians and elsewhere, we love In-N-Out. You can tell by the 24 hour a day car lines up to half an hour wait.
This is borderline proselytizing, at the least.
The seed? Or what In-N-Out is doing?
The seed
I would have thought that would be breast milk, but apparently it's hamburgers. Who knew?
It’s a Fox Lifestyle article that includes quotes from her previous interviews with The Christian Post and Forbes. She is expressing her opinion and what she is doing in her life.
If you read the article, you would know it has to do with the ministries she is involved in. Maybe they serve burgers too though.
that is the duty of everyone who claims that Jesus is Lord and Savior. To do otherwise is to disobey and rebel against Jesus
Proselytizing is not allowed on Newstalkers.
Where NewsTalkers is concerned, I don't think you know what the meaning of the word is.............or the story would have been yanked. It isn't an ATTEMPT to change anyone's mind. SMFH. It's an article IN THE NEWS. And we are talking about it. Period.
Glad I'm not a follower, it seems kinda assholey to me to go around sticking your noses in other peoples business, preachin at them and telling them what to believe.
I didn't proselytize. I stated WHY her statement is a valid Christian point. There was NO attempt to convert anyone. That statement refers to the actions of Christians, not non Christians.
If you saw someone driving down the road full speed towards a cliff, would you warn them or just "mind your own business"?
To ignore the fate of others is an act of callous disregard or indifference
we don't 'TELL people what to believe". We share the message of Christ and His offer of life and what He taught are the consequences of rejecting His offer. It is entirely up to others what they do with that information.
The seed is a profile of someone who runs a business and happens to be Christian. It's interesting to see how she has integrated her faith into her business practices. It's not telling you what to believe.
Neither I would stare and shake my head in disbelief, then carry on (unless of course the police needed me a witness. You do know that given wind, engine, road noise and possibly closed window and speed at which they passed you warning them would be an waste of breath.
The rest is just self-serving delusional gobbledy goop used by the many differing sects and cults to try and recruit the weak minded
nothing about recruitment in my post. [Deleted -] on eternity, ignorance is not bliss.
You pretend you're not telling anyone what to believe, but you're basically threatening them with your evil boogeyman ... which is rather laughable to anyone who's read the bible and isn't a fundie. Thinking you can convince moral people to worship evil is silly, and most Christians don't worship the evil god that fundies believe in.
Absolutely a great many posters from both political sides
If you don't believe it to be true, how can it be a threat. it would be just meaningless words to you
Stating what Jesus taught is not threatening anyone, especially if they don't believe that Jesus is God.
Secondly, I'm not a Fundamentalist. Fundamentalists believe that Pentecostals and Charismatics are heretics.
You believe it's true, so you intend it as a threat.
I thought you believed in a strict, literal interpretation of the bible - which would make you a fundamentalist (there are many different sects of fundies).
And you could well believe that Catholics are heretics. 33,000 Christian sects - each of them convinced that they alone know the one true meaning. If there were a god, it would be laughing its ass off at human attempts to define it and worship it.
You greatly exaggerate the total number of different Protestant denominations out there. Many are independent sunsets of s much larger group with almost identical beliefs. Some are in almost total agreement but emphasize some key point while another might key on something else in their worship yet all largely believe the same thing.
Also there were many Protestant reformers protesting what the Church of Rome had become since the founding of the Christian church. Many denominations named after the reformer they followed went as far as he did and didn’t seek further light or newer understanding of what was already in the Bible. Thus some mainline Protestant denominations only moved so far from what Rome was then while others followed solo scriptures or The Bible alone incrementally further. I’m not for the record saying or implying that the Rome we see today is presently the same as what it was then and there are certainly saved Christians within it now.
Don't like it, don't go there. No one is forcing you.
Don't go where?
Gotta admit that till this article I've never even heard of the place much less ate there, but no biggie I wish them continued success.
Their burgers are supposed to be OK and their fries are supposedly inedible, but their customer service is supposed to be phenomenal. And I think they pay something like $13 per hour - very good starting pay for a fast food job.
Well that's not a good recommendation, truthfully there was virtually no chance I was ever gonna eat there but now definitely not.
Their fries are the best! They make them fresh from the potato 🥔 at each restaurant.
As I said it's pretty much meaningless what their food tastes like as I'll likely never even see one of these restaurants (hell unless you post more articles about them I'll likely never hear about one again).
I ate there once a bunch of years ago, it wasn't terrible, but nothing to write home about.
You disagree with pretty much everyone else who's ever given them a review, then. Not surprising - as long as someone's preaching at you, they could serve you cardboard and you'd rave about it.
Rather frightening what brainwashing can do.
Ive been going there since our local one opened about 10 years ago due to the quality of food and customer service before I ever knew about the verse on the cups. Next?
It’s not a nationwide chain. Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California, and Oregon. They are family oriented and customer service oriented, and their CEO featured in the seed is one of the most popular among their employees in the country.
Cool for her
never heard of it. In and out, that is.
at first, i thought it was a brothel.
The only reason I've heard of them is I watch Big Brother and there were a couple of seasons were they were rewarded with food from In and Out
This year was terrible.
in America, or on little big brother ?
Ha. I am going with Big Brother yet it does seem like some of America.
The winner was a misogynistic, racist, scumbag that pissed himself in a comp.
I watched 2 episodes and stopped watching. The cast was horrible
Yes. California. Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Texas.
i didn't know i was supposed to watch Big Brother,
as i thought
he was supposed to watch me...
Apparently so
The Hollywood types love them, all those liberal left coasters. Paris Hilton used to rave about them ... I find it hilarious that some of our NT friends who claim that their entire lives are about pissing liberals off are posting articles raving about liberal Hollywood burgers.
You do realize that just because some Hollywood people like them doesn't make them Hollywood burgers, right?
Just like if some Hollywood types love Starbucks doesn't make it a Hollywood coffee.
I wonder why so many Hollywood-leftist people like buying burgers with scripture on the wrappers?
The scripture is on the bottom of the cups. I doubt if many people look at the bottom of their cups - and probably many of those leftist Hollywood people don't drink soda in the first place.
To some of the religious anti-liberal folks in here, I imagine it DOES make them Hollywood burgers, based on other comments they've made and their apparent confusion about food, their politics, and their gods. I don't recall you being one of those whose primary purpose in life is to piss off liberals, so you probably don't understand.
Well, as long as it is just all your imagination.....carry on!
It all comes down to so what. So what if they put shit on their cups? Don't order a drink. So what if you do or don't like the practice? It is not the only burger joint in town. This entire thing is a In-N-Out nothing burger.