In-N-Out Vows to Keep It in Family

An In-N-Out Burger executive said Thursday that the Irvine-based hamburger chain is “firmly committed” to remaining privately owned and is following a succession plan in the wake of the unexpected death of its chief executive last week.

“Tragedy is what pulls us together,” said Mark Taylor, general manager of operations and son-in-law of H. Guy Snyder, who died Friday at the age of 48. With a veteran executive team handling operations at the 140-store fast-food chain, he said, “nothing really changes.”

Six years ago, Snyder’s brother, Richard, then CEO, died in a private-plane crash. His mother, Esther Snyder, who founded the company in 1948 with her husband, Harry, took over until her other son was ready to assume the duties.

Upon Guy Snyder’s death, the reins were turned over once again to the family matriarch, now 78, as questions arose about the company’s ability to continue as a family-owned operation. Industry experts say the company is well-run and would be a gem for a number of eager potential suitors.

But Taylor, 35, said the family wants to retain control and that Esther Snyder will remain active in day-to-day operations.