By Gill Bikram Singh 
Lynsi Snyder, the heiress to In-N-Out Burger, a popular fast-food chain in the US, recently revealed that she waited in line for hours to secure a job at her own company. Ms. Snyder, who became the president of In-N-Out Burger at 27, began working at the restaurant when she was just 17 years old to prove that her last name did not give her any special privileges.
According to Fortune, Ms. Snyder stood in line for two hours outside a new In-N-Out location in Redding, California, to apply for a summer job.
“I think there’s a stigma attached to being the owner’s child. I just wanted to be respected like everyone else, doing things the right way without receiving special treatment,” she said.
Her first tasks at the burger chain involved basic duties like chopping vegetables and serving customers. In fact, only the store manager knew her true identity, ensuring she was treated like any other employee. Ms. Snyder shared that this experience helped her develop the confidence to lead the company in her own way.
Overcoming Challenges at a Young Age
She also spoke about the challenges she faced while managing such a large responsibility at a young age. “In the early days, I wore pantsuits because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do,” she said.
“But eventually, I became confident in who I am and who I’m not. People will judge you either way, so you might as well be judged for being your authentic self,” she added.
The Legacy of In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 by Ms. Snyder’s grandparents. After her grandfather Harry Snyder died in 1976, the business was run by his sons, Rich and Guy. Rich Snyder died in a plane crash in 1993, and Guy Snyder passed away in 1999. At 17, Lynsi Snyder became the last surviving blood relative of the In-N-Out dynasty.
Since taking over the company, she has nearly doubled its size. Recently, she led the opening of the chain’s 400th location and expanded operations to three new states: Colorado, Oregon, and Texas. As of 2025, Ms. Snyder’s net worth is estimated to be $7.3 billion.