McDonald's Saves Franchisees Bacon

McDonald's saved three of their downtown Pittsburgh franchisees after the city threatened to close their restaurants because of chronic problems with drug dealers.

McDonald's sent down a big gun to negotiate with city officials. The result was that he negotiated an agreement where the franchise owners could stay in business if they were willing to pay to upgrade their security and increase staff training on spotting drug dealers.

McDonald's representatives, who hired former U.S. Attorney J. Alan Johnson to assist in negotiations, released a written statement from Albert Seecharan, vice president of the Pittsburgh region, saying that operating safe restaurants is a priority. "We will be enhancing security protocols and procedures at these McDonald's locations to ensure that we continue to provide a safe restaurant environment for all of our employees and customers," the statement said in part. Zappala said McDonald's employees will receive training to better identify drug dealers and users in and around the eateries. The franchisees will pay for security upgrades, Zappala said. - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The McDonald's franchisees are helping to rid the area of crime, which will benefit local businesses.