Get All Access for $5/mo

In-N-Out Burger Is Moving East. Is It Coming to Your State? The iconic hamburger chain announces that it will be opening up a new corporate hub and restaurants in Tennessee.

By Jonathan Small

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Look out, Nashville Hot Chicken. The Double Double "animal style" is coming to the Volunteer state.

In-N-Out Burger is taking its iconic burgers east — at least further east than they've ever been before.

The beloved hamburger chain will be opening its first corporate hub in Tennessee in 2026, with plans to open up a few restaurants around Nashville in the next few years.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee first broke the news on Twitter, saying, "Welcome In-N-Out Burger, you're going to love it here."

Related: Looking to Expand Your Business? Here are 4 Franchise Alternatives You Need to Explore.

Straight out of Cali

First opened 75 years ago in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out was recently named the most popular fast-food restaurant in California.

The restaurant has earned quite a fan base outside of the Golden State. Over the years, In-N-Out has opened shops in 385 locations in the western U.S., including Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado.

Tennessee will be the farthest In-N-Out has ever traveled from home.

But In-N-Out doesn't just plan to open a few burger joints in the area — they will also be planting a new corporate headquarters in Franklin, a suburb of Nashville.

The company's Chief Operating Officer, Denny Warnick, told The Tennessean that the 100,000-square-foot office would house departments such as operations, management, and human resources. The expansion is estimated to cost $125.5 million, creating around 275 jobs.

In-N-Out is not the only popular burger joint to go Eastward Ho. Texas-based Whataburger opened its first restaurants in Tennessee last year.

Why Tennessee?

According to In-N-Out President, Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, granddaughter of In-N-Out founders, it was love at first site.

"We came here years ago, actually East of the smokies, but came back out to Pigeon Forge and Nashville and fell in love. There was one other state definitely interested and wanting us there, but we chose Nashville."

The family-focused Snyder-Ellingson said that she thinks of her grandparents in every decision she makes.

"I always consider what my family would want. I have no doubt that my grandparents, dad, and uncle would be proud of this decision to grow our Associate family and serve even more amazing Customers beginning in Nashville and the surrounding areas," she said in a statement.

Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® VIP

Founder, Write About Now Media

Jonathan Small is an award-winning author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, Entrepreneur, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and Entrepreneur and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. He is the former “Jake” advice columnist for Glamour magazine and the “Guy Guru” at Cosmo.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

How to Close the Trust Gap Between You and Your Team — 5 Strategies for Leaders

Trust is tanking in your workplace. Here's how to fix it and become the boss your team needs to succeed.

Marketing

6 Cost-Effective Ways to Acquire Brand Ambassadors

Boost your brand's visibility and credibility with budget-friendly strategies for acquiring brand ambassadors.

Health & Wellness

Get a Year of Unlimited Yoga Class Downloads for Only $23 Through June 17

Regular exercise has been proven to increase energy and focus, both of which are valuable to entrepreneurs and well-known benefits of yoga.

Growing a Business

He Immigrated to the U.S. and Got a Job at McDonald's — Then His Aversion to Being 'Too Comfortable' Led to a Fast-Growing Company That's Hard to Miss

Voyo Popovic launched his moving and storage company in 2018 — and he's been innovating in the industry ever since.

Side Hustle

'The Work Just Fills My Soul': She Turned Her Creative Side Hustle Into a 6-Figure 'Dream' Business

Kayla Valerio, owner of vivid hair salon Haus of Color, transformed her passion into a lucrative venture.

Business Culture

Why Remote Work Policies Are Good For the Environment

Remote work policies are crucial for ESG guidelines. Embracing remote work can positively impact your business and employees.