Little Caesars in the Dimond

What's value mean when it comes to food?

Michael Pollan wouldn't be happy - and many Dimond residents aren't to hear that Little Caesars seems to most likely be opening a new franchise in the Dimond District between the 99cents store (adjacent to McDonald's) and Mary's Beauty Salon (next to Caffe Dieum and the Post Office). Today was a big day for filing complaints in view of stopping the arrival of another fast food pizza store in the Dimond. Many were the voices asking for more diversification in terms of the eating establishments that we encourage to open in our business district. The opinions sparked a vibrant dialogue about food, gentrification, ethnicity and justice on the Dimond Weblink several weeks ago, which continues today. I walked by the space today and notice the application form with detailed plans posted in the window.

I think it's bad news for the Dimond. We don't need Chez Panisse to open (which would never happen) but we do need some sort of justice in terms of more establishments that offer healthy, fun, edible, family-friendly and community-building food and meals with less trans-fats. Why is it that these establishments are the ones to open so quickly and so dominantly in 'lower income-typecast' neighborhoods. We deserve to be able to buy economically priced food, that isn't only processed in a far away factory shipped here and re-heated for fast-food service. That's justice too. LC's claims on their website to be voted "best value," I'd argue that value isn't just about cheapness.