In a move that underscores the gravity of crime concerns in parts of Oakland, In-N-Out Burger has announced it will shut down its Oakport Street location come March due to ongoing public safety issues. The popular fast-food chain, recognized for its simple menu and devoted following, has prioritized the safety of its staff and patrons, even as the location remained profitable in its portfolio. In a statement Sunday shared by NBC Bay Area, In-N-Out's Chief Operating Officer, Denny Warnick, noted the untenable situation as employees and customers have been beleaguered by "car break-ins, property damage, and armed robberies."
The decision to close the Oakland outlet, which had been in operation for over 18 years, was conveyed as a commitment to employee and customer well-being. "Our top priority must be the safety and well-being of our Customers and Associates — we cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment," Warnick said. Despite the closure, the company offers employees transfers to other In-N-Out locations or severance packages. Considering the contributions and employment the establishment has provided over nearly two decades, this move comes as a blow to the local economy. Warnick's full statement was posted on X by tech and business reporter Scott Budman yesterday.
#Confirmed: In-N-Out Burger is closing its Oakland location “due to ongoing issues with crime…our customers and associates are regularly victimized.”
— scott budman (@scottbudman) January 21, 2024
The Oakport street location will close March 24. pic.twitter.com/6dLM0mLlKE
Amidst a spate of security incidents, including car break-ins, hold-ups, and at least one shooting, the longstanding burger joint has deemed the area too risky for the continuation of business. The culmination of these challenges has been detailed in a succinct post by journalist Henry K. Lee on X, indicating an untenable pattern of crime disrupting the daily operations at the Oakland In-N-Out. According to the announcement, the location's last day serving up animal-style fries and double-doubles will be on March 24.
The company stressed that the decision to cease operations in the Oakland store was not made lightly and recognized the local community for its enduring support. "We are grateful for the local community, which has supported us for over 18 years," Warnick assured. Despite the store closure, In-N-Out plans to continue supporting local Oakland charities through its foundations.
