WHAT MAY APPEAR to be only a constant “dog in the manger” objection to the entry of international fast food franchises into Barbados is, on close examination, not the xenophobic reaction which some people might believe it to be.
The resolve expressed through consistent objections from four or five fast food chains, the Congress of Trade Unions and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, speaks not only to the protection of profits, but to the safe-guarding of intrinsic qualities of the Barbadian way of life which we treasure and quite unapologetically show off to our visitors.
The opposers also seek to protect one-man food operators who have little clout and no cushion if hurt by the introduction of mega-bucks international fast food chains here.
Granted that local commercial chains have their vested interests to protect, yet what they have created in developing uniquely Bajan fast-food outlets of world-class standards would inexorably be eroded by the proliferation of United States-based franchises which mushroom in virtually every other capital city of the world, bringing lower standards and the use of juniority labour.
The absence of those imported outlets competing for attention along our coastline has the effect of saying we are proud to be different.
The objectors are seeking to protect a marketing domain which they have carefully cultivated – some, like Pizza Man Doc, from very humble beginnings – for over 25 years, and which is reflective of high Barbadian quality and the achievement of international standards of operation.
The most recent application for a licence was from the well-respected Goddard Enterprises Ltd, for the operation of a Subway Sandwiches franchise.
It was interesting to note that an addition to the list of objectors was the latest local chain of fast food restaurants, Café Blue, which itself specialises in the Subway type of sandwich menu.
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