In-N-Out Burger’s only location in Oakland is closing after the cherished fast-food joint decided it could not risk the protection of fed-up staff and patrons in town affected by recent crime.
The situation will shut its doors in March — despite the burger spot turning a profit — because of the constant crime in the community, In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick said in a sudden announcement over the weekend.
The fast food joint has been in the California city for 18 years.
“Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are frequently victimized by automotive break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies,” Warnick wrote, according to CBS East Bay, which obtained the announcement.
“Moreover, this location stays a busy and profitable one for the company, but our top priority should be the protection and wellbeing of our Customers and Associates – we cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment,” he said.
Data released by Oakland police at the beginning of the brand new yr showed robberies increased 38% from 2022 to 2023, ABC 7 Bay Area reported.
Burglaries jumped 23% year-to-year and motorized vehicle theft spiked 44%, the information showed.
Staff at Oakland’s In-N-Out can either transfer to one other one of the company’s fast-food restaurants or accept a severance package.
“We’re grateful for the area people, which has supported us for over 18 years, and we recognize that this closure negatively impacts our Associates and their families,” Warnick wrote.