In-N-Out Burger Pulls "67" From Menu Amid Viral Teen Trend

Key facts

• In-N-Out Burger removed the number 67 from its ordering system.
• The number 69 was also removed from the system.
• The removals follow a viral social media trend involving teenagers.
• The trend originated from a song by rapper Skrilla titled "Doot Doot (6 7)."
• Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball popularized the term "6-7."
• Dictionary.com named "6-7" its 2025 Word of the Year.
• The trend involves chaotic cheering and specific gestures when the numbers six or seven are announced.

Burger Chain Responds to Viral Disruption

In-N-Out Burger has quietly removed the number 67 from its internal ordering system, a decisive action taken to address widespread disruptions at its restaurants. The move comes after a viral social media trend, fueled by a popular song and amplified by internet culture, led to chaotic scenes involving large groups of teenagers. This is not merely a matter of a number disappearing; it represents a fast-food giant's response to the unpredictable power of online phenomena. The chain has also reportedly removed the number 69 for similar reasons, indicating a broader effort to restore order. Employees have confirmed the changes, noting that the system now bypasses 67, moving directly from 66 to 68. This practical adjustment aims to prevent the pandemonium that has become a hallmark of the trend. The disruptions highlight the growing influence of digital culture on real-world interactions, even within the straightforward environment of a burger joint. The company's decision underscores the challenges businesses face in navigating viral online behaviors.

The "6-7" Meme Takes Hold

The phenomenon centers around the phrase "6-7," which gained traction through a song by rapper Skrilla titled "Doot Doot (6 7)." Its popularity surged when Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball began using it, reportedly as a reference to his height. This cultural touchstone quickly evolved into an internet meme, prompting specific behaviors among young patrons. When the numbers six or seven are announced in an In-N-Out location, participants in the trend erupt in loud, chaotic cheering. This is often accompanied by a distinctive gesture: palms facing upward, alternating like a balance scale. The collective action creates a spectacle that has become a viral sensation, with numerous videos documenting the occurrences across social media platforms. This trend has become so ingrained in contemporary digital slang that Dictionary.com recognized "6-7" as its 2025 Word of the Year in October. The organization noted the term's seamless blend of digital humor, sports culture, and generational creativity, describing it as an "interjection, a burst of energy that spreads and connects people."

Employee Accounts Detail the Chaos

Employees at In-N-Out have provided firsthand accounts of the impact of the "6-7" trend. One employee confirmed to a media outlet that the number 67 had been officially removed from the system the previous month. The employee explained the operational change directly to a young man in a video, stating, "We have taken 67 out of our system, so whenever we're taking orders, it goes 66 to 68 because of people like you." These statements reveal the direct operational strain the trend placed on restaurant staff. The repeated announcements of the number triggered predictable, disruptive responses from groups of teenagers, overwhelming the usual flow of service. The decision to remove the number was a direct consequence of these persistent disturbances. The removal of 69, for similar reasons, suggests that the issue extended beyond a single number. The company's approach indicates a strategy to preemptively manage potential disruptions stemming from other numbers or phrases that could become targets of similar viral trends.

A Trend Rooted in Digital Culture and Sports

The origins of the "6-7" meme are firmly planted in the intersection of music, sports, and online culture. Rapper Skrilla's track provided the initial spark, but it was the endorsement by NBA player LaMelo Ball that propelled it into broader consciousness. Ball's use of the term, linked to his physical attributes, gave it a tangible reference point that resonated with a younger demographic. The subsequent viral spread on social media transformed the phrase into a participatory event. Videos capturing the enthusiastic, often boisterous, reactions of teenagers at In-N-Out locations became a form of social currency. This digital amplification turned a song lyric and a sports reference into a real-world phenomenon demanding a corporate response. The recognition of "6-7" as a Word of the Year by Dictionary.com further solidifies its cultural significance. Experts have described it as more than just slang, but a form of communication that conveys a feeling and fosters a sense of shared experience. This highlights how deeply embedded such trends are in the fabric of contemporary youth culture.

Restoring Order and the Future of Service

By removing the numbers 67 and 69, In-N-Out Burger is attempting to regain control over its operational environment. The goal is to restore normalcy and ensure that the ordering process can function without the interruption of viral trends. This proactive measure aims to protect both the customer experience and the well-being of its employees. The long-term implications of this decision remain to be seen. It raises questions about how other businesses might contend with similar viral behaviors in the future. The ease with which such trends can disrupt established systems suggests a need for greater adaptability and perhaps new strategies for managing public engagement. Ultimately, the removal of these numbers is a stark illustration of how online culture can directly impact brick-and-mortar businesses. In-N-Out's response, while practical, also signals a broader societal shift where digital trends can necessitate tangible, operational changes in the physical world.

The bottom line

• In-N-Out Burger has removed the numbers 67 and 69 from its ordering system to combat disruptions.
• The removals were prompted by a viral social media trend involving teenagers and a song by rapper Skrilla.
• The trend, popularized by NBA player LaMelo Ball, involves chaotic cheering and gestures when specific numbers are announced.
• The phrase "6-7" was recognized as Dictionary.com's 2025 Word of the Year.
• Employees confirmed the operational changes, citing the need to restore normal service flow.
• The incident underscores the significant impact of online culture on real-world business operations.