I wonder if one reason why the fast food restaurants seem to be proliferating is that rents have gone sky-high in some areas, driving out local merchants. In the area in which I live, San Vicente Boulevard used to have many little neighborhood shops; e.g. camera shop, pet supplies, rare book dealer, etc.). As the leases expire, the landlords have jacked up the rent so high that these little independent businesses have closed their doors only to be replaced by fast food chains. Thus, in less than a mile one sees (at least) 4 pizza chains, a Subway, a Quiznos, Peets, Starbucks, Coffee Bean, a new fast-food burger place and a couple of ice cream places. There is only 1 true neighborhood coffee shop left, Early World, which has been in business for over 30 years. One wonders how much longer they will survive.
Edited to add: Baja Fresh and La Salsa

[This message has been edited by obscure2k (edited 10-31-2003).]