Unconventional Panel weighs in on whether franchises erode local charm
Is it fair for residents to resist Domino's Pizza in Inglewood?
Domino's Pizza is poised to open a new franchise in Inglewood, but some local residents say the chain will erode the brand of their historic neighbourhood.
But do they have the right to make a stink about it? That's the question we threw at our Unconventional Panel this week.
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"I don't think a neighbourhoods should fight back unless the business is unsavoury, like a strip club or liquor store," said Andrew Phung, who has been performing improv in the area for years at Loose Moose Theatre.
Domino's isn't George Brookman's favourite pizza joint, but he says taste shouldn't be a determining factor.
"We've got four or five really nice boutique shops that have closed or are closing. We have all sorts of gaps along Ninth Avenue that need to be developed," said the CEO of West Canadian Industries.
'The free market has to rule,' says Brookman
In a statement to CBC News, Domino's Pizza said this new restaurant would open up more than a dozen jobs.
"The reality is the free market has to rule," Brookman said.
Calgary Herald columnist Val Fortnay says taking on a pizza chain is a losing battle, but she admires the residents for putting up a fight.
"You've got to let those militant communities speak out," she said. "That is what makes Inglewood great.
"They're not against development. They just want to have a say in the character of their neighbourhood."
Phung doesn't think residents would be complaining if it was a "hipster or yuppie" franchise opening up, such as Whole Foods.
"You do have say by where you spend your money," Phung said.
"It's the nature of living in a free country. If a business abides by the rule and pays their taxes and does everything by code they should be able to go be a business."