In response to a surge in crime gripping Oakland, several Taco Bell restaurants in the city have closed their dining rooms and are now only offering drive-thru service. The Diversified Restaurant Group, which owns nearly 300 Taco Bell locations across California, Nevada, Kansas, and Missouri, has made the decision to close the dining rooms at all four of its Oakland locations due to safety concerns.

According to KPIX, one Taco Bell restaurant located at 3535 35th Ave. has been robbed four times since November, with two incidents occurring during business hours. In one case, which took place three weeks ago, robbers managed to escape with a safe. The increasing frequency of such incidents has prompted the closure of the dining rooms.

Local residents and employees have expressed their concerns about the deteriorating safety situation in the area. Kimberly Garibay, who works across the street from one of the affected Taco Bell locations, stated that the robbers target not only the store but also everyone inside. Another resident, Aliyah Musa, lamented the worsening conditions in Oakland and the closure of various businesses.

In response to the rising crime rates, a Taco Bell operated by another franchise owner in the city still allows customers to dine indoors. However, this particular location has become cashless in an attempt to discourage robberies, as reported by KPIX.

Taco Bell acknowledged the ongoing changes at its Oakland restaurants, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe environment for both team members and customers. The company stated that the franchise owner and operator are continuously evaluating and implementing safety measures, such as closing dining rooms and hiring security guards. They have also collaborated with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of their establishments.

While the Diversified Restaurant Group has chosen not to comment on the closures, the decision to shut down indoor dining is not unique to Taco Bell. Last year, Raising Cane's near the airport also closed its dining room due to increased crime in the area. Similarly, In-N-Out announced the closure of its only Oakland location on March 24, citing a rise in crime as the primary reason. Denny's, a longtime Oakland establishment, also closed its Hegenberger Road location in January after 54 years, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of both staff and customers.

The recent closures are part of a larger trend affecting various fast-food chains in the crime-ridden Oakland. A Starbucks outlet in the airport area closed last year due to repeated car burglaries. The city's mayor, Sheng Thao, has promised to take additional measures to protect the Hegenberger corridor area, acknowledging the need for enhanced safety and security.

Despite the closures of dining rooms, Taco Bell has stated that it currently has no plans to shut down any of its Oakland locations completely. However, the situation continues to be monitored closely as authorities and businesses strive to address the rising crime rates in the city.