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McDonald's forced to shut from lack of patronage in healthy town
Last updated at 22:52pm on 06.12.06
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."
Reader views (15)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
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
Why should the rest of your country follow suit? What about the people that want to eat this sort of stuff? I don't necessarily agree with their choice in foods, but the key word there is choice. Allow them to put into their bodies what they will. You have the same ability.
- Thomas Hobbes, Dis, USA
I think Steve R has missed the point. Of course McDonalds has a right to be anywhere they choose. They aren't however going to stay open in a location where they don't make money. It's called freedom of choice. The residents of Tavistock CHOSE not to eat at McDonalds so McDonalds is leaving.
- Randall, Huntsville
I won't be visiting Tavistock! Sure McDonald's food is just ok, and it's seldom a career for workers. The food is reliable and cheap though.
Maybe there is still a Burger King or Wendy's over there?
- Wade, Las Vegas, USA
Steve, I don't read this as a matter of going about to bring the big, bad, McDonalds to an end, but rather a smart community knowing what is healthy for them and choosing correctly. Just like McDonalds has a freedom of choice where to open a store, the people of that town also have a freedom of choice what they want to put in their bodies, and they have spoken.
- Jon, SD, USA
I had a chicken sandwich with tomato and without mayo and cheese with a glass of orange juice from McDonalds just the other day.
- Michael, Alexandria, Virginia
So, Steve R, nothing to do with the massive marketing and advertising budget, free toys, brightly coloured child friendly restaurants then? Personally I blame Big Business AND lazy parents... but I also well know that, much as I personally hate such 'food', the pressure from children on parents to be taken to such "restaurants" is immense.
- Jeremy, Alton, Hampshire
Can Sunderland be twinned with Tavistock? They could learn a few things about affordability and our kids could be fed properly! On a serious note, that's great news.
- Paul, Sunderland
McDonald's has just as much right to take its place on the High Street as any other store. It is called freedom of choice. The UK's children are not suffering from obesity because of McDonald's, or any other food outlet for that matter. It is because many of them lead lazy, sedentary, non-exercising lifestyles. But it is easier to criticise big, bad, McDonald's instead of the parents and children isn't it?
- Steve R, London, UK
Good work Tavistock!
now we just need the rest of the country to follow suit..
- Sam, Highbury, London
Best news I've read all year, which is kind of sad.
- Squiz, Islington
One down, thousands to go!
- Pete, London
At last the message is sinking in. Let's see more of these fast food outlets shutting up shop and more healthy sandwich salad and fruit bars opening up. There is nothing to beat a chicken, ham or cheese and tomato sandwich, without the mayonaise please, and without the lattes and capuccino's please. A good cup of tea or orange juice will suffice thank you.
- Dhanraj, Basildon, Essex
