Coronavirus California

In-N-Out owner reportedly talked with Florida governor after CA vaccine mandate dispute

Friday, November 12, 2021

Report: In-N-Out owner talked with DeSantis after CA vaccine dispute

The owner of In-N-Out Burger reportedly talked with Florida's governor after the burger chain's dispute over indoor vaccine mandates in California.

In-N-Out's refusal to enforce vaccine mandates in California is attracting politicians in Florida.

In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson had a call with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday about the possibility of expanding to the Sunshine State, according to the SF Gate.

When asked about the conversation, DeSantis' office said no restaurant should be forced to require vaccinations. Florida currently bars companies from requiring proof of vaccination from customers.

The chain currently has no restaurants east of Texas because its suppliers are based on the West Coast. Florida officials said they will look to identify suppliers in the state.

This all comes after some Bay Area locations were shut down for violating vaccine mandates. An identical policy took effect this week in Los Angeles County.

In a statement to our ABC sister station in Los Angeles, In-N-Out writes:

"On Monday, November 8, In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson had a phone call with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The phone call was at the request of Gov. DeSantis and the primary purpose was to establish a business relationship. During that call, Gov. DeSantis graciously invited In-N-Out Burger to do business in the state of Florida. While we are thankful for the gracious invitation, In-N-Out Burger has no plans or intention to expand operations or move its corporate headquarters to Florida."

Arnie Wensinger
In-N-Out Burger Chief Legal and Business Officer

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