The decision to close the In-N-Out location in Oakland was not taken lightly by Lynsi Snyder, the heiress of the popular burger chain. In a recent interview with Marissa Streit of PragerU, Snyder revealed that the closure was due to the rampant crime in the area, making the site “absolutely dangerous.”
The Oakland location had been plagued by incidents including gunshots, stabbings, and other criminal activities. Snyder emphasized that the safety of the company’s associates was paramount, leading to the difficult decision to shut down the profitable outpost.
In-N-Out had been a presence in Oakland for 18 years before making the unprecedented move to permanently close the restaurant in January. Despite efforts to improve safety measures, the level of crime in the area continued to pose a threat to both customers and employees.
Denny Warnick, the company’s chief operating officer, cited incidents of car break-ins, theft, and armed robberies as reasons for the closure. The decision was a departure from In-N-Out’s 75-year history of never permanently shuttering a restaurant.
Following the closure, employees at the Oakland location were given the option to transfer to other In-N-Out restaurants or accept a severance package. The building remains vacant and is currently listed for sale at $4 million.
The high level of violent crime in Oakland, as reported by FBI statistics, further underscored the challenges faced by businesses operating in the area. The former In-N-Out location was situated in a bustling business corridor frequented by travelers and sports fans attending events at the nearby Coliseum.
Despite its strategic location, the restaurant was a frequent target for criminal activities, with over 1,300 incidents reported in the vicinity since 2019. The closure of the restaurant has left a void in the community, particularly with the impending departure of the Oakland A’s baseball team to Las Vegas.
The decision to close the Oakland In-N-Out location was a difficult one, driven by concerns for the safety and well-being of customers and employees. The move serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in high-crime areas and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
