Why So Many Of America's Top Fast Food Chains Are Nowhere To Be Found In This State - Tasting Table

"Vermont is not entirely without big-name fast food places. It has 30 McDonald's locations, yet remains the only state in the U.S. without one in the capital city. There are also seven Kentucky Fried Chickens, but again, not a single one in Montpelier. The state capital is also the only one without a Starbucks, even though the coffee chain has about a dozen locations elsewhere in Vermont. As you can see, breaking into Vermont is not an easy feat."

"It does so through its unique legislation, titled Act 250, that was passed in 1970. Vermont saw rapid growth in the '60s, and there was big concern that development projects would squash the peaceful character of the Green Mountain State. A new law was needed, one that could put the brakes on projects that clash with local culture. Per the official website, Act 250 "ensures that larger developments complement Vermont's unique landscape, economy, and community needs.""

Vermont enacted Act 250 in 1970 to manage rapid development and preserve the state's peaceful character and landscape. The legislation requires review of larger projects to ensure compatibility with Vermont's landscape, economy, and community needs. Local residents participate in reviewing building plans and applications, voicing opinions and concerns that can influence approvals. The regulatory framework has made expansion by national fast-food chains difficult; popular brands such as Arby's, Chick-fil-A, IHOP, Popeyes, and Dairy Queen are absent statewide. Some chains operate—about 30 McDonald's and several KFCs—but many towns, including the capital Montpelier, lack common national franchises.

Read at Tasting Table