American fast-food restaurant company In-N-Out Burger is set to close its only restaurant in Oakland, California, due to ongoing crime concerns.

The decision to close the facility was made chiefly out of concern for the safety of customers and staff.  

In-N-Out chief operating officer Denny Warnick said in a statement: “[Despite] repeated steps to create safer conditions, our customers and associates are regularly victimised. We feel the frequency and severity of the crimes being encountered by our customers and associates leave us no alternative.”

This will be the first venue closure in the 75 years of the company’s existence.    

The Oakland location, which has been serving customers for almost two decades, is set to close its doors on 24 March 2024.

The restaurant, situated near the Oakland International Airport, has been a popular spot for both travellers and local baseball fans.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

But the area has experienced a surge in criminal activity, with Oakland police reporting 1,335 incidents since 2019 including nine robberies, two commercial burglaries, four domestic violence incidents and an alarming 1,174 car break-ins.

The San Francisco Chronicle has highlighted the extent of the crime wave affecting the area.

Last July, In-N-Out Burger notified its employees that members wearing a face mask would be required to provide a medical note.

The new policy underlined the importance of customer service by ensuring that its associates smile and communicate with guests with visible facial expressions.

Employees who wore a mask without providing a doctor’s note could face disciplinary action.

The new policy was implemented in all stores and applied to all associates working in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah.

The company added that the new policy was subject to the guidelines and regulations of the local health authority.