Recently, the critically acclaimed California-based burger joint In-N-Out announced that a location in Oakland would permanently close this spring, citing challenging business conditions due to rampant crime. Reportedly, the fast food restaurant located in East Oakland will close its doors in March after being victimized by incessant armed robbery, car break-ins, and other property crimes.
In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warwick recently released a statement about the location’s closure, explaining the problematic nature of the ongoing crime in the area and its impact on the business environment. Warwick noted that, despite their efforts to create an optimal customer environment, patrons are still being afflicted by criminal activity.
“We have made the decision to close our In-N-Out Burger location in Oakland, California, due to ongoing issues with crime. 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. Our last day of business in Oakland will be Sunday, March 24, 2024,” Warwick’s statement read.
Warwick expressed gratitude for the Oakland community after In-N-Out has conducted business in the area for nearly two decades. The chief operating officer further emphasized that the difficult decision was made with the interest of customers and employees in mind, prioritizing their well-being. Furthermore, the In-N-Out executive noted that employees at the East Oakland restaurant were being provided the opportunity to transfer to an alternate location or take a severance package.
“We are grateful for the local community, which has supported us for over 18 years, and we recognize that this closure negatively impacts our Associates and their families. Additionally, 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 statement continued. “All affected Associates will have the opportunity to transfer to a nearby In-N-Out location or, alternatively, receive a severance package.”
Although In-N-Out will be closing its business in Oakland, the restaurant claims it will not cease its charity work in the community. “In-N-Out Burger has a history of supporting the Oakland community through charitable giving that predates the opening of our location there. Although we will no longer do business there, we will continue to support local charitable organizations in Oakland through our In-N-Out Burger Foundation and Slave 2 Nothing Foundation,” Warwick concluded.
The American Tribune has consistently reported on the deteriorating business environment in the Golden State, where “Shark Tank” star and legendary business icon Kevin O’Leary sounded off on California while vowing never to do business there.
“I don’t mean any disrespect when I say it, the management at the state level and municipal level is the worst of every state in the union,” O’Leary said. He further criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his mismanagement of the state. “[California Gov.] Gavin Newsom, and I mean no disrespect, I like that guy. I’ve met him personally. I wouldn’t let him manage a candy store. He is so clueless to the competition going on between states,” the “Shark Tank” star said.
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