McDonald’s Gets The Boot At Piazza Del Duomo, Subsequently Sues Florence

McDonald’s, purveyors of inexpensive hamburgers with catchy names, is suing Florence, Italy. 

BBC.com reports McDonald’s feels pretty raw by how it has been treated by the same city in which it has recently attempted to build a restaurant. According to the report, city officials have thought better about including a fast-food joint in its historic Piazza del Duomo, a decision that has led to an International legal kerfuffle.

McDonald’s standpoint is that it’s tried its best to tailor a location that would fit into the scope and sensibility of the famous area. And now it’s out for money, €17.8 million (or $19.7 million), according to BBC.com. 

The website quotes a McDonald’s statement that cites discriminatory action by city officials for its legal suit that reaches nearly $20 million in damages: “We completely agree that the cultural and artistic heritage and the Italian historical town centres have to be protected and guaranteed, as well as the traditions and the historical small shops, but we cannot accept discriminatory regulations that damage the freedom of private initiative without being advantageous to anyone.”

We know what you are thinking. The post quotes an earlier statement from mayor Dario Nardella that may echo your own current thoughts on the matter: “McDonald's has the right to submit an application, because this is permitted under the law, but we also have the right to say no.”

An earlier issue between Vatican cardinals taking umbrage with a planned McDonald’s at that iconic setting is also noted.   McDonald’s, like other ubiquitous brands around the world, doesn’t seem all that content to merely be on most street corners, because it looks as though some want to be on all of them.

We certainly understand and encourage you to eat what makes you happy, even while traveling. However, and perhaps, some places should be devoid of modern signs of commerce if only to maintain the majestic effect of classic architecture.
Apologies to anyone who is prone to sudden and uncontrollable Big Mac attacks while traveling.