Sydney businesses fear planned 24-hour outlet would put them out of business

Local businesses in Sydney’s Inner West are voicing concerns about potentially shutting down if a 24-hour McDonald’s outlet is approved for a busy street in Newtown. The proposal by McDonald’s Australia to build a $1.7 million restaurant on King Street has ignited fear among existing businesses that they would be unable to compete.

The plan for the McDonald’s outlet, if approved by the City of Sydney, would allow it to operate around the clock, every day of the week. This move has sparked alarm bells for businesses already in the vicinity, particularly Broaster Chicken, one of the nearby establishments.

King Street is home to a cluster of chicken shops, including KFC, Broaster Chicken, El Jannah Chicken, Gami Chicken, Ogalo Newtown, and Clem’s, within close proximity to each other. For many of these businesses, the introduction of a McDonald’s outlet could prove to be the final blow, potentially forcing them to close their doors.

MD Ruben, the owner of Broaster Chicken, has been grappling with a decline in customer numbers, primarily due to stiff competition from KFC. Facing the prospect of competing with a global giant like McDonald’s, with its substantial annual revenue and extensive presence in Australia, Ruben believes his business stands little chance of survival.

The looming threat of a McDonald’s outlet opening up nearby has sparked a sense of helplessness among local businesses, who fear being overshadowed by the fast-food giant. The impact of such a development on the existing commercial landscape in Newtown could be significant, potentially leading to the closure of businesses that have been operating in the area for years.

The influx of a McDonald’s outlet could disrupt the balance of competition among eateries on King Street, ultimately leading to an uneven playing field for smaller, locally-owned businesses. The arrival of a major chain like McDonald’s could result in a loss of market share for existing establishments, further exacerbating their struggles to stay afloat in a highly competitive market.

As the fate of the proposed McDonald’s outlet hangs in the balance, local businesses are bracing themselves for a potentially devastating outcome. The prospect of having to contend with a 24-hour fast-food giant poses a significant threat to the survival of smaller businesses that form the fabric of the community.

In the face of this impending challenge, businesses on King Street are left with little recourse but to wait and see how the situation unfolds. The decision on whether the McDonald’s outlet will be approved could have far-reaching consequences for the local economy and the livelihoods of those who have invested their time and resources in the area.