In-N-Out Burger's First Store Closure Announced... Due to This Crowding the Parking Lot

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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In-N-Out Burger, which has also opened stores in South Korea, has decided to close its Oakland location in California this March. Since its founding in 1948, the company has relocated stores several times, but this is the first time it has closed a store. The reason for the closure is theft.

On the 24th, In-N-Out Burger announced that the Oakland branch would soon be closed due to rampant crime in the California city. The company stated, "Despite repeated measures to create a safer environment, our customers and employees regularly experience car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robbery." The Oakland store, which has been operating for 20 years, will close on March 24. It is the only In-N-Out location in the city and is near the airport.

Crime has increased significantly in Oakland. According to data obtained by KGO-TV, a CNN affiliate, from the Oakland Police Department, theft incidents increased by 23% in 2023 compared to the previous year, and car theft incidents rose by 44%.

Denny Warnick, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of In-N-Out Burger, said in a statement, "Considering the frequency and severity of crimes experienced by our customers and employees, we believe there is no alternative." He added, "The Oakland location is busy and profitable. However, we cannot ask customers or employees to visit or work in an unsafe environment." About 100 employees will be transferred to nearby restaurants in San Francisco or laid off.

The staged scene of a car theft is unrelated to the article content. [Asia Economy archive photo]

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One customer wrote in a store review that the Oakland location’s parking lot is notorious for car theft. He said, "Within minutes of entering the restaurant, if you leave anything visible like a T-shirt or coins, I can guarantee your car will be damaged," adding, "Regardless of who is standing outside or whether there is security, they will boldly break into cars. I have witnessed at least 100 theft attempts over the past five years while working nearby."

In-N-Out Burger is a privately held company with about 400 locations nationwide. Many other stores, including Starbucks and Target, have recently closed locations in Oakland and several other cities due to concerns about crime. According to the FBI, violent crime nationwide decreased by 8.2% for two consecutive years in 2023 after an increase in 2021. However, according to the Oakland Police Department, violent crime in Oakland increased by 21% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

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