In a historic decision, In-N-Out is set to close its sole location in Oakland, California, citing persistent concerns over crime. This move marks the first instance of In-N-Out permanently shutting down an outlet in its 75-year history. Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick expressed the company’s dilemma, emphasizing that the “frequency and severity of the crimes” faced by customers and associates provided no alternative but to cease operations.
It’s Official:
The Oakland location, operating near Oakland International Airport for nearly two decades, will officially close its doors on March 24. Despite being a busy and profitable establishment, ongoing issues such as car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies have prompted this unprecedented decision. Warnick emphasized that prioritizing the safety of employees and customers remains In-N-Out’s foremost concern, stating, “We cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment.”
The closure aligns with a broader trend in Oakland, where various businesses, including Raising Cane’s, have shut down, attributing their decisions to concerns about crime. The local police in Oakland have responded by increasing patrols and implementing surveillance cameras to address the prevalent criminal activities in the area.
Option to Transfer:
To mitigate the impact on affected employees, In-N-Out assures that they will have the option to transfer to nearby In-N-Out locations or explore severance packages. The announcement of the closure over the weekend saddened many residents of Oakland. However, local officials, well aware of longstanding safety challenges at the In-N-Out and its surrounding neighborhood, may not find this development entirely unexpected.
In April 2023, Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan had communicated to Councilmember Treva Reid about significant concerns related to “violence and larceny” in the vicinity of Oakland International Airport, which is owned and operated by the port. The decision to close the In-N-Out location underscores the complexities businesses face when balancing profitability with the imperative of ensuring a secure environment for both customers and employees.
