Are you seeing FEWER fast food restaurants?

[CanadaGirl]

I know fast food is really popular and many people eat too much of it. Like most people, I do sometimes eat at a fast food restaurant out of convenience. But, I have noticed a pretty big reduction in the numbers of actual fast food restaurants in my neigbourhood. In the last couple of years the Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut and KFC have closed. This week the Wendy's closed. There have not been any new fast food retaurants opening, unless you count the Starbucks that went into the spot left by Dairy Queen. I live in a fairly wealthy suburb, so I don't know how much of an effect, if any, that has.

Is anyone else noticing the same thing, or is my neighbourhood an anamoly?

[Itsmy6]

In my area (North St. Louis County, MO) I'm seeing more and more since that's all they seem to know how to build. It's either banks, fast food, or car lots.

[cwdonald]

We have had McDonalds, Wendys and KFCs go out of business in the suburbs of Philadelphia. My basic thought is that franchises are having problems getting business credit.

[aynrandgirl]

50+ Arbys filed bankruptcy in Arizona.

[MarlboroMan]

In my area, (Central NJ), a Wendy's closed in the last few months, but a White Castle is going in its place. Also, a Moe's Southwest Grill (I still consider this fast food) is opening near us as well.

[Motosport]

On the Eastern end of Long Island we haven't lost any of the fast food places. We've got most of the popular ones. Boulder Creek Steakhouse shut down and it's going to be Joe's Crab Shack. Go figure?