02-21-2013, 06:42 AM
Amazing how there are so many variations of Puna, different factions fighting amongst themselves, "us vs them" with religious fervor...
It's hardly the mainland corporate fast-food chain's "fault" that "charitable contribution" is a better deal for the landlord than letting the property sit empty. Corporates go where the money is; note that even Hilo doesn't have every variety of fast-food, nor are there any fast-casual (Applebee's or similar).
County certainly helps force the issue by making it "difficult": that vacant KFC was very likely the only available certified commercial kitchen space anywhere on the east side. KYBC might very well have wanted something a little "closer to home", but who knows how much time/money that might take?
It's hardly the mainland corporate fast-food chain's "fault" that "charitable contribution" is a better deal for the landlord than letting the property sit empty. Corporates go where the money is; note that even Hilo doesn't have every variety of fast-food, nor are there any fast-casual (Applebee's or similar).
County certainly helps force the issue by making it "difficult": that vacant KFC was very likely the only available certified commercial kitchen space anywhere on the east side. KYBC might very well have wanted something a little "closer to home", but who knows how much time/money that might take?