In-N-Out Burger’s only Oakland location is closing. This “heartbreaking” news comes as the fast-food burger chain is experiencing rampant crime. The COO, Denny Warnick, made a recent announcement, saying that it’ll close its Oakport Street branch on March 24th.
Warnick said, “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.”
“We are grateful for the local community, which has supported us for over 18 years, and we recognize that his closure negatively impacts our Associates and their families,” he added.
“Additionally, this location remains a busy and profitable one for the company, but our top priority must be the safety and well-being of our Customers and Associates – we can’t ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment.”
ALSO READ: Tennessee Town Council Brings Chick-fil-A’s Proposed Mega Restaurant Plan to a Halt
This news is not shocking but sad to both the consumers and the burger chain staff. This is because it’s a “convenient pit stop” for many people in the area. Travelers heading to the airport usually stop to get food at this location, and patrons of the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum also frequent the place.
However, this location is very unsafe. Since 2019, police have logged about 1,335 incidents around the restaurant. This is far more than any other location in the city. Furthermore, the police receive way more theft reports at this location than any other one in the state.
POLL—Should the Government Implement Stricter Penalties To Combat Retail Theft?
According to a security guard, the soon-to-be-closed location is subject to multiple break-ins every single day. “On a regular day, I’d say five,” the anonymous security guard said. “On a bad day, I can’t even get a report in because it’s back-to-back.”
In the past three months alone, there were 170 auto burglaries in Oakland, some of which happened in the fast-food parking lot. Therefore, people have already associated this area with several crimes, leading to the difficult decision to close the branch.
Warnick spoke to FOX Business as news of this closure made national headlines. “There have been several In-N-Out Burger locations which have required relocation throughout our 75 years.
However, our Oakland store will be the first location we have closed. We feel the frequency and severity of the crimes being encountered by our Customers and Associates leave us no alternative.”
ALSO READ: Atlanta Restaurant Faces Threats for Adding 4% Health Insurance Charges to Diners’ Fees
A writer at Fox Business called this news “heartbreaking” as locals loved the spot greatly. The staff at the restaurant have the option of accepting a severance package or moving to another In-N-Out location. Several people have spoken on this issue, demanding that leaders prosecute people committing these crimes.
Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial, said, “The only way more great businesses like this won’t close is that those people perpetrating the crimes realize there will be harsh outcomes for break-ins, property damage, theft, and especially armed robberies.”
You Might Also Like:
Gallery Manager Fears Picasso, Rembrandt, and Goya Works Lost in Seattle Art Gallery Fire
John Hopkins Center Names Third Grader as One of the World’s Brightest Students
Florida Board of Education Bans DEI and Sociology Class From State Colleges
“This Practice Is Arbitrary and Unlawful!” Court Slams State Agency’s “1-Mile Rule” Decision
California Announces Covid-Positive Residents Can Now Attend School and Work
