Fast Food Fast Tracked for Closure?

Photo taken by Rachael Turner

During a recent public hearing at City Hall detailing the new Security Act, Attorney General Salvatore Greco offered up the floor and was asked about Up-n-Atom and plans to shutter its doors. Naturally, with news of fast food restaurants closer, social media was alight with panic and rumors and the Attorney General clarified his plans to indeed seek to shut Up-n-Atom specifically.

At this point, workers were faced with possible loss of work, a scary prospect for those that do not have other options. Fast food is an easy point of entry into the workforce for both new citizens coming into the state and also for those without specific qualifications. In other words, it allows people to gain income without the need for prior work experience, as well as offering a simple stepping stone to settling into life here. Needless to say, the Attorney General’s response was met with calls for workers to strike.

Asking for people’s thoughts on this and gauging the reactions from social media, where a lot of the calls for action were sent from, citizens were generally sympathetic. On one hand, many were concerned about the loss of jobs, worried about how new people coming into the city would fare. On the other hand, some were pointing to the new food trucks and applauding the decision. There is, of course, more food on offer now and some folks were sick of only having fast food as an option. Surely, the reasoning would be, that the fast food workers could work in a food truck, instead?

Photo taken by Rachael Turner

Unfortunately, like many things, it is not so simple and I do personally wonder how things will pan out. Competition in any industry can be a good thing, however that can only go so far before market saturation occurs. Another general concern is quite the opposite end of the spectrum - Restaurants are ever present and stationary, what would happen if hungry customers cannot find a food truck in the area?

Prices were also a point of worry for a number of low-income citizens. People agreed that food trucks give business to farmers and others within the supply chain, but it also means to make ends meet, the menu must be set at a higher price than fast food typically is. Sure, those without monetary concern, this is a non-issue, but not everyone has that luxury and comments such as ‘do better’ does not help or change reality.

Photo taken by Rachael Turner

In a show of democracy, a ballot was put out by the state to vote for which fast food restaurant would close - the choices offered being between Cluckin’ Bell and Up-n-Atom. Speaking to a few people who already voted, there was some confusion relating to the wording on the ballot and people were making sure voters read carefully before selecting their choice. Votes were for which to close and they wanted to make sure others understood this.

Eventually, prices will even out as more people come into the state, or at least that is the hope. The question is; With more people, will that mean more business and therefore more jobs on offer in the future? Or will more people mean more competition, forcing people to seek other means of making a living and increase the poverty line?

Ultimately, we shall see if worries are unfounded and or heeded after the voting closes and the people’s voice have spoken. For those that have their jobs on the line, please go easy on them. It is so easy for fortunes to change, especially in the rough and tumble of Los Santos.