In 2016, Aspen’s only fast food restaurant, McDonald’s, closed down, marking the end of the fast food era. Although Starbucks was also available in Aspen for a full 15 years, it was unable to sustain itself financially and sadly shut down.
The Aspen community, as well as students in the Aspen School District, have been wondering why. Many students say that it would make a big difference because it would provide more job opportunities as well as cheaper food. If there were a Starbucks or Wendy’s near the school for a quick grab and go for lunch, it would benefit many. However, due to Aspen’s high-end marketing and real estate, it’s hard for any new business to get off the ground.
Community developer Ben Anderson has been working with the city of Aspen since 2016 and understands why fast food restaurants tend to stay away.
“The absence of national fast food restaurant chains is entirely a reflection of market forces. There are no rules or city policies that would prevent a national fast food chain from locating and operating here, but for many reasons, it seems like Aspen might not fit the typical market conditions they prefer.” Anderson said.
Aspen markets itself as an exclusive, high-end destination, which may not be something that fast food chains want to associate with. On average, there are about 2.3 fast food restaurants per 1,000 residents in urban areas. Fast food chains may see little value in marketing to a small, specific population when their entire business is built on mass appeal and brand recognition.
The concept of “market forces” that Anderson introduces is not just a talking point; it is a reality that shapes life in Aspen. While real estate and labor costs might deter national chains from opening stores in Aspen, for high school students, the real issue is not a spreadsheet of numbers. It is the simple, frustrating lack of a quick and affordable place to grab a bite.
AHS junior Whitney McManus voices her personal opinion on this topic. Aspen students are always in need of food, and having something that is closer and more convenient could be a game changer for our town.
“Nothing in town is quick, easy, or affordable. I wish we had something near the school so we could all just get a good grab and go without trekking into town or down valley,” McManus said.
