In-N-Out Closes A Store For The First Time In 75 Years Due To Robberies
Famous fast food chain In-N-Out closed down one of its stores this weekend -- a first for the burger joint since it was founded in 1948.
On Sunday, the In-N-Out in Oakland, California, permanently closed after it started serving customers as store 193 in 2005 along 8300 Oakport St. The reason for the store closing -- crime on the property.
"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," Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick said in a statement in January.
"This location remains a busy and profitable one for the company, but our top priority must be the safety and wellbeing of our Customers and Associates -- we cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment."
The location, which has been open for 18 years, is the first ever In-N-Out store to close down since the restaurant chain founded by Harry and Esther Snyder opened its first store at Baldwin Park, California, in 1948.
Store looting has been plaguing the city of Oakland over the past years. Data from the Oakland Police Department shows robberies have increased by 38% and burglaries by 23% between 2022 and 2023.
Videos of clothing, tech and department stores being robbed in broad daylight have also gone viral online.
Other stores in the area have also closed over safety concerns, including Subway and Denny's.
As for the employees affected by the permanent closure, they will be transferred to a different location or receive a severance package.
In-N-Out also promised to continue its support of the Oakland community and local charitable organizations through its In-N-Out Burger Foundation and Slave 2 Nothing Foundation.