A Chinese City’s First Experience with Western Fast Food

As China changes and grows faster than any country on earth, it’s no surprise that Western fast food brands are opening in big and small towns across the country at breakneck speeds. During my time of living in China, I made some unscientific observations, but I think they are largely true. Here’s my hypothesis based on observation: A city’s growth could be measured by which fast food restaurants were available. These Western chain restaurants usually came in order as the city grew. They would start with KFC, then get a McDonald’s and probably a Subway, and then Starbucks and/or Burger King. Again, this is unscientific. Don’t write me and correct me.

In my first city in China where I lived for about six months, we had none of the above. That should give you an indicator of how small of a town this really was. I haven’t been back there in over a decade, so I’m sure every restaurant from my list above is there and thriving.

After about two or three months of living in China, we heard a rumor through our students that the town’s first fast food restaurant was having their grand opening. It was located right on the main street in “downtown.” This grand opening was going to be on a Saturday and it was all everyone talked about in the days leading up to this big event.

The big day came, so our team of foreigners decided we would make the trip downtown for all the festivities. When we arrived, there was a dense crowd of several hundred people all trying to push their way toward the doors. There were balloon arches over the entrance. There was loud music, people shouting into a microphone, and plenty of security. One of my most vivid memories was being told by a security officer that I couldn’t take photos. He saw my camera and immediately held out his hand and did the international symbol for “don’t do that” by waving at me. I still don’t understand why, but that’s okay.

So, what was this big grand opening? What was all the fuss about? We were there for the grand opening of Dico’s! Dico’s is one of the biggest fast food chains in China. It was started in Chengdu and has thousands of locations across China. Based on my experience that day and then further observation, I learned that a small town will typically get a Chinese fast food brand before bringing in any of the Western brands. That makes all the sense in the world and I was so happy for Dico’s.

We finally made our way through the crowd and ordered some lunch, along with every single resident of the town. It was delicious and did not disappoint. It exceeded every expectation. I told myself I would go there every week to get my Western food fix. I don’t think I ever went back there. I think it was good enough for me to know that I could if I needed it. But anyone who’s lived in a small town in China knows that the local Chinese food is beyond delicious and satisfying. My Western cravings were few and far between. Except for Krispy Kreme. I always wanted a Krispy Kreme to open.