Business 101

London, Thursday 07.12.06
McDonald's forced to shut from lack of patronage in healthy town
06.12.06
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We're not loving it: the McDonald's in Tavistock is being forced to shut for lack of business in a town characterised by its healthy, quality food
McDonald's is closing its outlet in a town known for quality food and healthy, local produce.

The fast food chain in Tavistock, Devon, simply wasn't being used enough by locals.

So after seven years struggling to make ends meet in a town that has won many accolades for the quality of its food, McDonald's will finally shut up shop on Saturday.

John Taylor, chairman of Tavistock EatWise campaign, said: "Because of the quality of our local food McDonald's has not been able to compete."

Earlier this year Tavistock won the title of Best Food Town in the South West.

Mr Taylor said: "I think McDonald's really started to suffer about 18 months ago when healthy school meals were introduced.

"Children no longer needed to go there because they were being fed properly."

A McDonald's spokesman said: "As part of an ongoing review of our restaurant sites, it has become clear that the location of McDonald's in Tavistock is no longer suitable."



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Good point Steve R. I'm tired of people blaming a restaurant for their health problems rather than taking responsibility for themselves. Nobody is forced to eat at McDonald's.

- Nick, Minneapolis, USA

Hmm, So capitalism worked again. It's amazing! McDonald's, in this case, didn't offer a product the community wanted. People didn't spend money there so they closed down. Last I checked that's how capitalism works best.
No one is obese because McDonald's is forcing them to eat that Big Mac every day. Take a little personal responsibility for yourself and your children. McDonald's doesn't have to provide 2 of your 3 meals a day.
If people are willing to buy the products, they stay in business. If people quit buying it, they'll have to adjust their products or close shop. Any capitalist economy should work in that fashion.

- Joe S, US

I like the way you think Steve. People retain the freedom to eat or not to eat and to exercise or not to exercise. Obesity is just a natural consequence to poor life choices. People carelessly point the finger because getting out of the chair to fix their lives might just be too much work.

- Adam S., College Station, Texas
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Now this is the way it is suppose to work FOLKS if people like your product they keep you in business ,, if they don't like what you put out close your doors!!!!!!! BUSY bodies not needed ,, BIG government hands off