In-N-Out Burger announced the closure of its only store in Oakland, California due to concerns about crime, marking the first time in its 75-year history that the company has shut down a location. The decision comes in response to a rise in car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies victimizing both customers and employees.
The store is set to close on March 24, as the company prioritizes the safety and well-being of its customers and staff. In a statement, In-N-Out Burger’s Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick explained that while the location had been busy and profitable, the company could not ask customers and employees to visit or work in an unsafe environment.
The closure is a reflection of the broader crime trends in Oakland. Data from the police department shows that violent crimes in the city increased by 18% from 2019 to 2022, with robberies rising by 37% and burglaries by 24% in 2023. Since 2019, the area surrounding the In-N-Out near the Oakland International Airport has experienced over 1,300 reported incidents of crime.
The decision to close the Oakland location mirrors similar moves by other businesses in the city, including a Starbucks and several local businesses. Additionally, national corporations have shuttered stores in other parts of the US citing rising crime. Despite these closures, national crime data shows that the US murder rate fell by more than 12% last year, with violent crime dropping substantially, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In response to the closure, all staff at the Oakland In-N-Out Burger have been offered the chance to transfer to nearby restaurants or receive a severance package. The company’s statement acknowledged the negative impact the closure would have on employees and their families and recognized their dedication and service.
The closure of the In-N-Out Burger location in Oakland comes at a time when businesses in various parts of the US are grappling with similar challenges related to crime and safety. The decision underscores the significant impacts of local crime trends on both businesses and their employees.
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