*The only In-N-Out burger in Oakland, California, despite it being profitable, will close next month due to crime and safety concerns for customers and staff.
Several businesses have closed in the last year, citing crime as the reason, CBS News reports.
Councilwoman Treva Reid, who represents the area, said her district is “in crisis.”
“We’re in a state of emergency,” she said.
“I’m definitely frustrated. Because if it’s not In-N-Out, it’s something else tomorrow,” said Oakland resident Jenny Goeppner, per CBS News. “These are people’s jobs, and it’s essential to have jobs so we can spend money in the community,” said Oakland resident Darryl Brown, CBS News reports.
The In-N-Out is located at 8300 Oakport St., near the Oakland International Airport. Per CBS News: “The San Francisco Chronicle reported since 2019, police have recorded 1,335 incidents in and around the fast food restaurant, more than any other location in Oakland. Most of the reported incidents were car break-ins targeting visitors coming through Oakland International Airport,” the outlet writes, noting that employees have seen “armed robberies of customers.”
“It’s terrifying, because it also puts us in danger,” said In-N-Out worker Daisy Nunez-Valenzuela.
“[The thieves] look around all the time, and then they see P.D. leaves for a second, and that’s when they take the chance,” Nunez-Valenzuela added.
Per CBS, a statement from Denny Warnick, Chief Operating Officer of In-N-Out, said in part, “We have made the decision to close our In-N-Out Burger location in Oakland, California, due to ongoing issues with crime. Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies. Our last day of business in Oakland will be Sunday, March 24, 2024.”
Warnick also noted that while “several” locations have relocated in its 75-year history, the Oakland closure is the first restaurant it has closed.
“We feel the frequency and severity of the crimes being encountered by our customers and associates leave us no alternative,” said Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick, in the statement.
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