In-N-Out Burger closed its only Oakland location earlier this year. It was the first time the iconic brand permanently shut down a restaurant. The shuttering of the popular fast-food chain's outlet at Oakport Street, California had its roots in a spike in local crime, Lynsi Snyder, heiress of the chain states.
The decision has sparked discussions about public safety, and the impact on local businesses. In an interview with PragerU, Snyder describes the location as,
"absolutely dangerous."
She also cites multiple violent incidents including gunshots and stabbings, saying:
“I mean, there was a lot. There was actually — gunshots went through the store, there was a stabbing, there was a lot. For the safety of our associates, we just felt like, this is not OK.”
The chain's Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick resonates Snyder's views, pointing out that customers and employees were regularly victimized by crimes such as armed robberies, car break-ins, and property damage.
Data from Oakland police showed 1,335 reported crimes in the surroundings of the restaurant since 2019, including 1,174 car break-ins, nine robberies, and two commercial burglaries. These numbers highlight the safety challenges faced by businesses in the area.
Security measures taken to control incidents of crimes proved insufficient. As a result, the company prioritized the safety and well-being of its associates and customers over continuing operations at Oakland.
More about the In-N-Out Burger brand
Harry and Esther Snyder founded In-N-Out in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948. The fast food chain has been a beloved brand of the West Coast culture. Over the years, the chain has expanded across several states, at the same time maintaining its family-run roots.
Lynsi Snyder, granddaughter of the founders and the current owner and president, has worked to take the brand forward.
The Oakport Street location in Oakland served customers for nearly two decades, and was frequented by locals as well as travelers heading to Oakland International Airport, besides fans.
The outlet was notably profitable and busy. However, the store's location in a crime-ridden area has forced the chain's authorities to shut down operations.
The closure of In-N-Out’s Oakland store is more than just a business decision. Many consider it a loss for the community, as the restaurant was a part of the city's cultural legacy. The company has offered severance packages or opportunitiy to employees to transfer to other locations.
The closure raises questions about the convenience of operating in high-crime areas, even for successful and loved businesses.
As crime continues to be a problem in Oakland, pressure mounts on the city authorities to take effective measures. For now, the In-N-Out outlet on Oakport Street remains vacant.
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