McBig Deal

So, McDonald's may be coming to town. And residents aren't happy.

Can't blame them. No one business has a worse reputation when it comes to the ills of the Fast Food Nation. And the idea of a McDonald's in health-conscious Loma Linda -- well, it boggles the mind.

But, it's going to happen. And there's one reason why: Money.

A developer is going spend money on a construction firm which is going to spend money on workers to put up buildings that will generate money for the businesses that end up residing on the property which they will pay in rent to the developer who will start the process again somewhere else. Oh, and some of that money will also find its way into the city's coffers.

It's as simple as that.

You see, for all the arguments about McDonald's, the bottom line is going to be too good to pass up. And in this economy, anything that's going to generate money, well, people are for that, especially after the city eliminated four positions.

Of course, as valid as the arguments are from the people who oppose the restaurant setting up shop in town, they are also flawed.

The first is always about the Blue Zone and the healthy lifestyle. Is setting up the pariah McDonald's honestly going to bring an end to that? Because someone's going to come to your home and force you to go through the drive-thru every day. And after they're done taking you to McDonald's, they'll take you to Carl's Jr., KFC, Del Taco, Weinerschnitzel, Farmer Boys and then dessert at Hometown Buffet.

People patronizing these businesses are not the fault of the restaurant. It's something that is supposed to be enjoyed as a special treat. An occassional diversion from home. And I know from personal experience how easy it is to fall into the trap of eating out every night. But you don't blame the business for being there.

The second argument is that "we're not going to go, so why have it here." Well, you may not, but how about the thousands who come through every day?

Remember, Loma Linda's population triples during the day as people come in for doctor's appointments, trips to the VA or visiting relatives at the medical center. These people need places to eat.

In fact, one of the first times my family made the trip to Hometown Buffet, I remember sitting down and marveling at the idea of the restaurant having a home in Loma Linda. Then I scanned the room and saw a group of tired, dishevelled people wearing visitor's passes for the medical center. And it dawned on me -- hey, people need some place comfortable to eat that's close to the hospital, but not AT the hospital.

(Speaking of which, Ronald McDonald's oversized footprint already resides at a big house in Loma Linda.)

So, you can have these restaurants here to cater these folks ... or they can take their money out of town. I know Colton is glad to take the sales tax revenue generated by the McDonald's on the corner of Washington and the 215 Freeway, especially as other restaurants close in the city.

Now, I'm not fan of the Arches. I'd say we've been there maybe six times in the past 18 months, so I won't be lining up for the grand opening. But I understand the reasons behind the why they're coming.

And if you don't like it being there, just vote with your wallet. They'll get the point.