In a striking example of how viral social media trends can spill into real-world consequences, popular fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has officially removed the number “67” from its ordering system. The decision follows weeks of disruptive behavior by teenagers who flooded restaurants, cheered loudly, and in some cases threw food into the air when the number was called.
The move, first reported by PEOPLE, underscores growing concerns among restaurant operators about TikTok trends, teen behavior in public spaces, and the operational challenges faced by quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in the digital age.
Viral TikTok Trend Disrupts In-N-Out Locations
Across multiple In-N-Out Burger locations on the West Coast, crowds of adolescents began gathering with one shared goal: waiting for the cashier or intercom to announce the number “67.” Once the number was called, chaos would often follow.
Viral TikTok videos — some amassing millions of views — show groups of teens erupting into cheers, screaming, and running around the dining area. What began as a meme-driven joke quickly escalated into a store safety and crowd control issue.
At a busy Phoenix In-N-Out, the situation became particularly unmanageable.
“When the restaurant was packed, teenagers would throw food in the air when the number was called,” said Marina Bastidas, an employee at the Phoenix location. “It got especially bad on Friday nights.”
She described the environment as overwhelming for both staff and regular customers.
“It was chaotic,” Bastidas said. “That’s why we stopped.”
In-N-Out Removes ‘67’ From Ordering System
In response to repeated disruptions, In-N-Out corporate management quietly removed the number 67 from its ordering system in early November, according to reports. Employees were instructed not to use or announce the number at all.
While In-N-Out has not released a formal public statement, the internal change reflects a broader industry trend: fast food chains adapting policies to counter viral social media challenges.
The chain operates 39 locations in Arizona, all of which were affected by the system-wide update.
Industry analysts say such decisions are becoming more common as restaurant brands struggle with crowd behavior influenced by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
What Is the ‘6-7’ Trend and Why Did It Go Viral?
The phrase “6-7” did not originate in fast food culture. Instead, it emerged from hip-hop music, basketball fandom, and social media remix culture, eventually finding its way into restaurants.
Roots in Drill Rap Music
The phrase traces back to the drill rap song “Doot Doot” by Skrilla, where the lyric “6-7” is repeated. While interpretations vary, some fans believe the phrase references:
- 67th Street in Chicago, tied to Skrilla’s background
- A police code for a reported death
- Or simply a rhythmic phrase with no single definitive meaning
Regardless of its origin, the soundbite became meme-ready and highly shareable.
LaMelo Ball and Basketball Meme Culture
The trend gained significant momentum through NBA star LaMelo Ball. Viral basketball edits paired clips of Ball with a commentator joking that he plays like a 6-foot-1 guard despite being 6 feet 7 inches tall.
At the exact moment the phrase “6-7” is spoken, the beat from Skrilla’s song drops — creating a dramatic and humorous effect that resonated with sports fans and TikTok users alike.
These videos further fueled the meme, pushing “6-7” into mainstream Gen Z internet slang.
TikTok Influencers Amplify the Gesture
Another major driver of the trend was Taylen Kinney, a basketball star and TikToker known as @taylen_01. Kinney popularized the phrase by pairing it with a distinctive hand gesture — moving both hands up and down with palms facing upward.
One viral video showed Kinney using “6-7” to rate a Starbucks drink, blending food reviews, influencer culture, and meme language. The gesture quickly became inseparable from the phrase and was widely copied across TikTok.
Before long, teens began using the phrase and gesture in public settings — including fast food restaurants.
Why Fast Food Chains Are Vulnerable to TikTok Trends
Experts say fast food restaurants are particularly susceptible to viral disruptions because they offer:
- Public gathering spaces
- Open dining areas
- Intercom announcements
- Affordable food attracting teens
High foot traffic combined with minimal security presence makes QSRs easy targets for flash mob-style behavior.
Keywords like fast food safety, restaurant crowd management, viral TikTok challenges, and brand reputation management have become increasingly relevant in the hospitality and food service industry.
Impact on Employees and Customers
While many TikTok videos portray the “67” trend as harmless fun, restaurant employees tell a different story.
Workers reported:
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Disruptions to order flow
- Food waste and cleanup issues
- Negative customer experiences
Parents dining with young children and older customers reportedly left stores early due to noise and disorder.
Employee advocates argue that viral trends often overlook the burden placed on hourly workers, who are expected to manage crowds without additional support or pay.
Social Media Trends vs. Public Behavior
The In-N-Out incident raises broader questions about digital influence on real-world behavior, particularly among teenagers.
Marketing analysts note that TikTok’s algorithm rewards repetition and spectacle, encouraging users to recreate viral moments in physical spaces. What starts as a meme can quickly escalate into copycat behavior nationwide.
Not the First — And Not the Last — Viral Disruption
In-N-Out is far from alone. Other brands have faced similar challenges:
- Retail stores overwhelmed by TikTok shopping hauls
- Schools disrupted by viral challenges
- Airlines responding to influencer stunts
- Restaurants banning menu hacks gone wrong
These incidents highlight the real financial and operational costs of viral content.
What Happens Next?
For now, the number 67 is gone from In-N-Out’s ordering system, effectively ending the trend inside its restaurants. Whether the meme itself fades or resurfaces elsewhere remains to be seen.
Industry experts predict more fast food chains will begin:
- Adjusting operational systems
- Monitoring TikTok trends closely
- Training staff for crowd management
- Implementing clearer behavior policies
As social media continues to blur the line between online entertainment and offline action, businesses may need to rethink how they protect both brand experience and employee well-being.
Conclusion
The removal of “67” from In-N-Out Burger’s ordering system may seem like a small change, but it reflects a much larger shift in how businesses respond to viral internet culture.
What began as a catchy phrase tied to music and basketball evolved into a disruptive trend affecting real people, real jobs, and real businesses. In the era of TikTok, even a number on a receipt can become a flashpoint — and companies are learning they must adapt fast.
As one employee put it simply:
“It was chaotic. That’s why we stopped.”
And with that, “67” is officially off the menu.