In-N-Out Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs

In-N-Out Burger is a privately-owned fast-food chain. It was founded in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder. Today, it is headquartered in Irvine, California. The brand has grown steadily and now operates around 400 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

In-N-Out plans to expand into New Mexico and Tennessee. Unlike other chains, In-N-Out does not franchise or go public. Lynsi Snyder, the founders’ only grandchild, is the current owner and president. She emphasizes quality control and consistent service to preserve the family legacy.

The chain is known for its fresh ingredients. They ban the use of heat lamps, microwaves, and freezers. Their beef is ground in-house and delivered fresh. Buns are made with slow-rising dough daily. This dedication to quality and well-trained employees enhances customer service.

In-N-Out maintains its 1950s red-and-white design and simple menu. The brand’s commitment to quality and consistency has built a loyal customer base and strong market presence.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a In-N-Out franchise? In-N-Out does not offer franchise opportunities, as all of its locations are company-owned.

Therefore, it is not possible to start a In-N-Out franchise, and there is no associated cost for franchising with the company.

However, for similar burger restaurant franchises in the industry, the initial investment is on average $1,456,000, ranging from $156,000 to $6,867,000.

Here are a few comparable burger franchises with their initial investment requirements. For example, starting a McDonald’s franchised restaurant, in comparison, would cost you anywhere from $521,000 to $2,503,000.

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a In-N-Out franchise? Since the chain does not franchise its restaurants and all locations are company-owned, In-N-Out does not publish a Franchise Disclosure Document. Therefore, it does not disclose the average revenue of its restaurants.

However, looking at comparable franchises, a similar franchised burger restaurant in the food industry makes on average $1,548,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Below are 10 In-N-Out competitors and their average yearly revenue as a comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a In-N-Out franchise owner expect to earn?

Since In-N-Out is entirely company-owned and does not operate as a franchise, there is no earning potential for a In-N-Out franchise owner.

The average gross sales for a burger franchise similar to In-N-Out franchise is approximately $1,548,000 per store.

Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1,548,000 yearly revenue would result in $232,200 EBITDA annually.

What funding options are available for a In-N-Out franchise?

Most franchise buyers in In-N-Out’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.

How long does it take to pay back a In-N-Out franchise investment?

Payback periods for franchises in In-N-Out’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.

Who owns In-N-Out?

In-N-Out Burger is owned by Lynsi Snyder, the sole grandchild of the founders, Harry and Esther Snyder. Lynsi Snyder took over the company as president in 2010 and has full control over the chain, which remains privately owned. The Snyder family has maintained complete ownership of In-N-Out since its founding in 1948.

SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026

Disclaimer

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Research In N Out franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → In N Out FDD Review.