Urban Blight

Fast food chains are not the cause of urban blight, but they have contributed to it. During the 1920s, drive-in restaurants targeted customers driving automobiles. Drive-ins were usually constructed on the outskirts of cities where land prices were lower and automobile traffic was high, thus contributing to urban sprawl. Because automobiles sped along at a fast clip, drive-ins developed gaudy architecture and large signs to attract motorists. Citizens objected to these outlandish structures and promotions and considered them eyesores; these complaints have continued ever since.
After World War II, Americans began leaving inner cities and moving into suburbs. This movement created challenges and opportunities for fast food chains. Those fast food chains that had targeted inner cities, such as White Castle and White Tower, confronted a major loss of customers and a significant increase in crime and vagrancy. Without a large customer base, many fast food establishments in inner cities closed and their buildings deteriorated.
Other fast food chains, such as McDonald’s and Burger King, initially targeted the suburbs. Some municipalities objected to them because of their architecture. McDonald’s, for instance, was criticized because of the arches bursting through their roofs and others considered their slanted roofs an eyesore. Likewise, others objected to Burger King’s handlebars on their roofs. Both McDonald’s and Burger King redesigned their outlets to appear less gaudy in hopes of quashing criticism. However, the concerns do not just rest with the design of particular outlets; the massive collections of fast food outlets that have spread along highways passing through cities are considered objectionable, as well. These strips are visually unattractive.
In addition fast food chains have greatly contributed to the trash that is generated by their patrons. Of the garbage along city streets and along highways, it is estimated that 40 percent comes from fast food chains.