In-N-Out is a staple of Californian culture and an iconic American fast-food chain. Founded in 1948 in California, In-N-Out has remained a privately owned company, refusing to franchise to preserve the quality of its food and service. The chain has deep roots in Christian values, as evidenced in both the products it sells and its company culture. The current owner, Lynsi Snyder, is very open about her faith, and since the 90s, the company has printed Bible verses on the cups and wrappers. For instance, on the bottom of the In-N-Out double-double wrappers are “Nahum 1:7,” a reference to the Bible verse “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” The company aligns itself with conservative causes, and it faced backlash for donating $25,000 to the Republican Party in 2018 and $40,000 during the Governor Newsom Recall Campaign, when the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing. Lynsi Snyder herself donated $2 million to President Trump’s super PAC in 2025.

Despite the perception that many conservatives do not value the working class and are the party for the rich, In-N-Out actually has the highest employee satisfaction among major restaurant chains. In-N-Out’s pay and benefits are well above the standard for American fast-food chains, and they provide ample opportunities for promotion. The company has a system that allows hourly associates to advance through different levels into management positions, with store managers often making six-figure salaries. The employment model allows for upward mobility without having a college degree or connections.

In-N-Out is one of the few companies still embodying the classic “American Dream,” where you can start at an entry-level position and advance to a management position that allows you to have a comfortable lifestyle. In-N-Out is proof that you can embody traditional conservative values and be successful, while also treating your employees well and not sacrificing everything for profit.

In-N-Out’s approach is an example of a better way for conservatives to approach capitalism: by embracing free market principles while also investing in the well-being of workers, rather than taking a “whatever makes the most money,” approach. Focusing solely on deregulation and tax policy is also important; it is equally important  to prioritize American workers and their futures. America is not just a machine that generates profit, but a nation built on the promise that prosperity should uplift its people.