California is known as “The Golden State”, but it’s not all golden. Parts of California have struggled with high crime rates for decades, with crime rates highest in areas like Oakland and Los Angeles.
Not only is the crime rate a threat to public safety, but it turns out it’s having a major impact on businesses, too. One such restaurant that’s closing due to crime was the birthplace of a famous dish you’ve probably had before.
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Cole’s French Dip, a beloved restaurant that’s been in LA since 1908, is permanently closing its doors on August 3, 2025. (Cole’s French Dip claims to have invented the French Dip sandwich when one of its original chefs dipped bread in Au jus to soften it for a customer with chewing difficulties.)
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A spokesman for Cole’s said, “After exhaustive deliberation and numerous attempts at last ditch efforts, our beloved Los Angeles institution, Cole’s, Originators of the French Dip, has made the difficult decision to close its doors.”
It wasn’t just crime that impacted this difficult decision, though…
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The rampant crime rate in downtown LA played a significant role in Cole’s closure, but the spokesman also cited other issues aggravating the whole situation.
The COVID-19 pandemic, actors and writers’ strikes in LA, rising costs of goods and labor, increasing rent, and “mounting bureaucracy and legal exposure” were all cited as reasons for the closure.
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The violent crime rate in Los Angeles is quite high at 732 per 100,000 people. Part of the violence has to do with a high incidence of gangs in Southern California.
In 2023, Oakland was considered the most dangerous city in the United States based on the violent crime rate. Not only does Oakland have a high violent crime rate, but it also has soaring property crime and theft rates.
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Unfortunately, Cole’s French Dip isn’t the only business forced to close due to high crime rates. Several other establishments in California have suffered similar fates…
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In January 2024, In-N-Out closed its only store in Oakland due to repeated issues with crime. In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick said, “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.”
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Last year, Taco Bell suspended indoor dining at four of its Oakland locations. One location is still open to indoor dining, but only contactless payment is allowed to help with safety.
Taco Bell says that “providing a safe environment for team members and customers is the priority at Taco Bell restaurants.”
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In September 2023, Target also chose to shutter some of its locations in Oakland and San Francisco to promote the safety of its employees and guests.
It’s not surprising that stores like these are bowing out of this area. According to police data, not only is violent crime increasing in Oakland, but robberies, burglaries, and vehicle thefts are increasing significantly. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, one in 30 residents had a car stolen in Oakland in 2023!
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Unfortunately, Cole’s French Dip only has one location in LA, so it’ll be gone for good. Considering the restaurant withstood two world wars, the rise of Hollywood, and many other significant events, it’s unfortunate that it’s closing its doors after being deeply rooted in the area’s history.
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Other restaurants throughout the country have been in the same position as Cole’s and have decided to close as a result.
In recent years, other areas that have had businesses closed due to crime include:
- Spokane, WA
- Staten Island, NY
- Albuquerque, NM
- Chicago, IL
Of course, this list lends just a few examples, but it helps remind us that crime occurs everywhere…it’s just been especially bad in California lately.
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It’s sad to see such a long-standing business forced to close because of crime rates. This trend will likely continue unless drastic changes are made. (Other California businesses are closing left and right for a multitude of reasons, too.)
What do you think the future holds for other businesses in high-crime areas like these? Share your insights in the comments…
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