THE revelation that US burger chain Carl’s Jr could open in Tamworth has set tongues wagging, taste buds tingling and even had some people frothing at the mouth.
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The Leader broke the news on Monday that the controversial fast-food outlet is seeking planning permission to open a restaurant and drive-thru on Goonoo Goonoo Rd.
Renowned for its unashamedly calorie-rich burgers and raunchy advertising campaigns featuring bikini-clad models, the potential new player sparked plenty of debate.
Many posters on The Leader’s Facebook page bemoaned the fact Tamworth, with its already high obesity rate, could be home to yet another purveyor of junk food.
“Three McDonald’s, two KFCs, Red Rooster, Oporto (and) Hungry Jacks isn’t enough?” Savannah Rose Fletcher asked.
Tamworth woman Lisa Madden Rickard summed up the thoughts of many when she expressed concerns over the potential health impacts of fast food.
“I understand it will create some employment opportunities, but at what cost to our health?” she said.
“Look at the physique of the people in the States that eat this rubbish they call food. Do we really want to follow that? It’s not safe or healthy.”
But news that Tamworth could be home to one of Australia’s first Carl’s Jr restaurants drew plenty of excitement from fans of its decadent fare.
Matthew Bachali described Carl’s Jr burgers as “da bomb!”, Anthony Rogers joked that he was “going to get so fat” and Amanda Hawkins said simply that “Carl’s Jr is the best”.
The chain’s penchant for using busty models, such as Kim Kardashian and Kate Upton, in hyper-sexualised TV commercials also attracted criticism.
“The food must be bad if you need semi-naked women to sell it for you,” Simone Mitchell said.
But in response to the avalanche of criticism, Tamworth man Ryan Newberry said it all came down to personal choice.
“Thumbs up to anyone who gives it a go and opens any kind of business in Tamworth,” he said.
“People whinging and complaining about this need to realise no one is forcing you to eat there (and) no one is forcing you to apply for a job there.
“People are always complaining about the amount of fast-food stores, but health food shops frequently go bust or close down due to a lack of customers.”