Oakland Set For Fast Food Influx
OAKLAND (KPIX 5) -- Oakland has been fighting to become healthier in recent months with several movements to bring in more grocery stores and healthy food options for the growing population. However, it looks as though several fast food companies are looking to make the move to the town.
"We're going to demo the whole thing and build a 14,000 square foot food market," Brahm Ahmadi
It took this food activist years to secure a site for a grocery store in West Oakland. Now, he's begging for investment dollars to pay for the construction.
It's been tough trying to get fresh food to some Oakland neighborhoods. But fast food? Not so much. A lot of them plan to open stores in Oakland.
City leaders say Krispy Kreme Donuts wants to open a store and bakery on a vacant lot near the Fruitvale BART station.
"They want to be able to do the production work on the same site. For me, that's exciting because that's going to bring a lot of jobs and that lot's been vacant for 20 years," Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo said.
Another national chain, Checkers and Rally's Burgers told KPIX 5 they're determined to open a few restaurants in Oakland in the next few years.
They say with the tech industry booming in this blue collar city, the population could support as many as 40 additional fast food locations.
"It shouldn't be dozens of one franchise, may be one or two, but not dozens," Emeryville resident Wendi Walker said.
Dairy queen also wants to add 200 more locations throughout Northern California. Oakland is on its sight.
"We should try to hold on to the local flavor and do as much as we can to avoid that," Oakland resident Adam Grove said.
Even fast food junkies say more fresh food, and less grease.
"More fast food restaurants means more unhealthy for kids," Oakland resident Matthew Owens said.
