Customers across the US started noticing something odd at certain In-N-Out locations. Orders jumped from 66 to 68 with no explanation from the staff. It sparked confusion at first until workers explained that the number caused disruptions. The issue wasn’t about food quality or store systems. It came from an online trend that pulled the number into the spotlight, no one expected.

The 67 meme grew fast enough that teens began visiting stores just to film themselves reacting when the number was called. The reactions were loud, playful, and distracting for staff trying to run a smooth pick-up area. Some workers said the excitement turned into noise that interrupted the flow during busy hours.

Skipping the number became a simple solution. Instead of calling out something that triggered chaos, the restaurant adjusted the ticket system to keep things calm. It wasn’t a dramatic change. It was a practical fix for a very modern kind of problem.

How a Viral Meme Reached a Fast Food Counter

The number 67 didn’t carry special meaning until social media pushed it into the spotlight. Videos on TikTok and other platforms showed creators repeating the phrase tied to an inside joke that grew faster than anyone expected. The meme connected to a catchy audio clip, along with jokes about NBA player LaMelo Ball, who often refers to his height using the phrase six seven. That small connection helped the phrase spread far beyond basketball fans.

Once the trend caught momentum, teens began shouting the phrase or reacting dramatically whenever the number appeared in public places. The restaurant counter became an easy stage for videos. Calling out 67 turned into a cue for a performance. Some locations saw groups gather near the pick up area with phones ready.

Employees said the reactions became disruptive during peak hours. Not dangerous, just distracting enough to interrupt the pace of service. The store wasn’t trying to silence fun. The goal was simply to prevent a number from turning into a trigger for commotion.

Why Restaurants Sometimes Adjust Order Numbers

Order numbers are meant to keep things moving. They tell customers when to step up without confusion or crowding. When one number becomes a distraction, the simplest fix is to skip it. This kind of adjustment happens in different places from time to time. Some restaurants avoid calling out 69 for similar reasons because customers sometimes turn it into a joke that interrupts service.

Removing a number doesn’t require rebuilding the system. Staff simply set counters to jump over it. Customers still get their food, and the kitchen stays organized. The store avoids unnecessary moments that slow things down for everyone else waiting.

This change also helps protect employees from having to manage loud or chaotic reactions. Workers already juggle a fast pace. Removing a known trigger keeps the environment steady and stops a meme from turning a simple task into something unpredictable.

Why This Became Part of a Larger Conversation About Online Trends

The situation highlights how internet culture can shape physical spaces. A meme that starts as a joke online can spill into public settings quickly. Restaurants, schools, and stores sometimes adjust routines not because they’re strict but because they’re trying to keep things manageable. Trends come and go. Some pass quietly while others show up in unexpected places, such as a burger counter.

In-N-Out employees shared that teens often filmed reactions without thinking about the people working or customers trying to hear their numbers. The videos weren’t malicious. They were part of online humor. But the store had to make a choice to keep service smooth. Removing one number was easier than constantly calming crowds.

The adjustment also shows how businesses deal with trends without pushing back aggressively. There were no announcements. No social posts explaining the change. Just a quiet shift that kept things running while the meme continued doing its thing online.

What This Means for Customers

For most customers, the shift doesn’t change anything. Food still arrives when the number flashes on the screen. The only difference is that the system skips from 66 to 68. Some people notice it and ask questions. Others overlook it entirely. The change doesn’t affect speed or service.

For employees, the atmosphere is a little easier. They don’t have to brace themselves for a sudden wave of noise or laughter. Removing 67 keeps things calm during busy hours. It also prevents groups from camping around the counter waiting for a specific number to be called.

Trends fade. When they do, the restaurant may adjust again. For now, skipping a single number is a small choice that helps keep service steady in a space that sees constant foot traffic.