In recent years, the city of Oakland, California, has been beset with a surge in crime, posing a severe threat to its local restaurant industry. Data from the local police department reveals a significant rise in burglaries in Oakland's busiest commercial districts, soaring from 6,231 cases in 2020 to 8,229 cases in 2022. Incidents of vehicle and store break-ins also have become highly frequent.

Ryan, the owner of the Mexican restaurant Calavera, lamented that local residents are increasingly hesitant to dine out. Most opt for a quick movie night and head home, leading to a 25 percent drop in revenue at his establishment, he said. Employee numbers have dwindled from 50 to 30.