‘It’ll kill us’: Small businesses fear fallout from 24-hour plan of major fast food chain
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Sydney’s Inner West is famous for its vibrant, eclectic food scene—especially along King Street in Newtown, where you can find everything from classic Aussie chicken shops to trendy vegan cafes.
But now, a new proposal has locals and small business owners worried. What’s happening?
McDonald’s wants to open a $1.7 million, 24-hour restaurant right in the heart of this bustling strip.
For many, the golden arches are a symbol of convenience and affordability. But for the people who run the small, family-owned eateries that give Newtown its unique flavour, the arrival of a round-the-clock Macca’s could spell disaster.
Take MD Ruben, owner of Broaster Chicken. He’s been serving up crispy chook for five years, but lately, he’s been feeling the pinch as customers drift to the nearby KFC. The thought of a McDonald’s opening just across the road is, in his words, 'a disaster.'
'I know it’s going to be a disaster. I don’t think that small business can survive,' Ruben told 9news.com.au. He’s already started talking to his franchise office and lawyers about moving on.
'If McDonald’s is coming, we might need to run off. There’s no point to stay here and wasting all the time and fighting against McDonald’s.'
It’s a sentiment echoed by Razwan Raza, who’s run Ogalo Newtown with his family for nearly a decade. With sky-high rent, utility bills, and council rates, Raza says they’re just scraping by.
'If the small businesses come, there is healthy competition. We can compete with them,' he says. 'But if the big company comes, we can’t compete. Their marketing strategies, their wages.'
Raza fears that if McDonald’s opens, he’ll be forced to sell up and move to Melbourne, where operating costs are lower. 'Right now we are just earning our wages, and we are happy with this… If McDonald’s comes, definitely our turnover will decrease, and we can’t even pay our wages out of this.'
It’s not just business owners who are worried. Locals have started an online petition, which had already gathered 770 signatures at the time of writing, urging the City of Sydney to reject the proposal.
The council is currently accepting feedback until August 7, so there’s still time for residents to have their say.
Many fear that a 24/7 Macca’s could change the character of King Street, bringing more late-night noise, rubbish, and possibly even crime.
These concerns aren’t unfounded—just last May, a similar proposal for a 24-hour McDonald’s in Redfern was unanimously rejected by the City of Sydney after overwhelming community opposition.
For their part, McDonald’s Australia says they’re 'excited by the possibility of joining the Newtown community' and point out that the new restaurant would create over 100 local jobs and invest around $2 million in the area.
'We are committed to engaging with councils and communities to ensure we’re listening to feedback and submitting development applications for restaurants that are thoughtfully designed for the community,' a spokesperson said.
This isn’t just a Sydney issue. Across the country, communities are pushing back against new McDonald’s outlets.
In Melbourne, residents are fighting a proposed 24/7 Macca’s on High Street in Northcote. There are active petitions in Manly Vale, Kalamunda, and Mount Evelyn. While Redfern locals recently won their battle, others—like those in Safety Beach—haven’t been so lucky.
If you care about the future of your local shops, now’s the time to speak up. The City of Sydney is accepting feedback on the proposal until August 7.
Read more: Is one of Australia’s coolest street about to change forever? Locals furious over new McDonald’s plan
Do you think a 24-hour McDonald’s would be good or bad for Newtown? Have you seen similar changes in your own neighbourhood? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
But now, a new proposal has locals and small business owners worried. What’s happening?
McDonald’s wants to open a $1.7 million, 24-hour restaurant right in the heart of this bustling strip.
For many, the golden arches are a symbol of convenience and affordability. But for the people who run the small, family-owned eateries that give Newtown its unique flavour, the arrival of a round-the-clock Macca’s could spell disaster.
Take MD Ruben, owner of Broaster Chicken. He’s been serving up crispy chook for five years, but lately, he’s been feeling the pinch as customers drift to the nearby KFC. The thought of a McDonald’s opening just across the road is, in his words, 'a disaster.'
'I know it’s going to be a disaster. I don’t think that small business can survive,' Ruben told 9news.com.au. He’s already started talking to his franchise office and lawyers about moving on.
Local businesses in Newtown say they may be forced to close or relocate if a proposed 24-hour McDonald's outlet is approved, citing fears they can't compete with the global fast food giant. Image source: Shahbaz Ali / Unsplash. Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
'If McDonald’s is coming, we might need to run off. There’s no point to stay here and wasting all the time and fighting against McDonald’s.'
It’s a sentiment echoed by Razwan Raza, who’s run Ogalo Newtown with his family for nearly a decade. With sky-high rent, utility bills, and council rates, Raza says they’re just scraping by.
'If the small businesses come, there is healthy competition. We can compete with them,' he says. 'But if the big company comes, we can’t compete. Their marketing strategies, their wages.'
Raza fears that if McDonald’s opens, he’ll be forced to sell up and move to Melbourne, where operating costs are lower. 'Right now we are just earning our wages, and we are happy with this… If McDonald’s comes, definitely our turnover will decrease, and we can’t even pay our wages out of this.'
It’s not just business owners who are worried. Locals have started an online petition, which had already gathered 770 signatures at the time of writing, urging the City of Sydney to reject the proposal.
The council is currently accepting feedback until August 7, so there’s still time for residents to have their say.
Many fear that a 24/7 Macca’s could change the character of King Street, bringing more late-night noise, rubbish, and possibly even crime.
These concerns aren’t unfounded—just last May, a similar proposal for a 24-hour McDonald’s in Redfern was unanimously rejected by the City of Sydney after overwhelming community opposition.
For their part, McDonald’s Australia says they’re 'excited by the possibility of joining the Newtown community' and point out that the new restaurant would create over 100 local jobs and invest around $2 million in the area.
'We are committed to engaging with councils and communities to ensure we’re listening to feedback and submitting development applications for restaurants that are thoughtfully designed for the community,' a spokesperson said.
This isn’t just a Sydney issue. Across the country, communities are pushing back against new McDonald’s outlets.
In Melbourne, residents are fighting a proposed 24/7 Macca’s on High Street in Northcote. There are active petitions in Manly Vale, Kalamunda, and Mount Evelyn. While Redfern locals recently won their battle, others—like those in Safety Beach—haven’t been so lucky.
If you care about the future of your local shops, now’s the time to speak up. The City of Sydney is accepting feedback on the proposal until August 7.
Read more: Is one of Australia’s coolest street about to change forever? Locals furious over new McDonald’s plan
Do you think a 24-hour McDonald’s would be good or bad for Newtown? Have you seen similar changes in your own neighbourhood? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
