Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Starbucks, McDonald's and KFC to be built in Cusco, Peru

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

00

The corner where the new KFC is to be built.

© El Comercio

Starbucks, the largest coffeehouse company in the world, has set its sights on a locale in one of Peru's most touristic regions, Cusco.

The coffee and coffeehouse chain is willing to pay any price for a spot near Cusco city's main plaza, said the owners of the traditional El Ayllu cafe.

The representatives of Cusco's archbishopric and owners of El Ayllu, stated that Starbucks was willing to pay a high price for their corner coffee shop.

The Seattle-based corporation is not the only U.S. company interested in investing in a place near one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, McDonald's and KFC have affirmed that they too are going to invest in property near the Inca Citadel.

Even though real estate prices in Cusco city have doubled and in some cases tripled, McDonald's - the world's largest chain of fast food restaurants, has already set aside the locale where Bohemia restaurant used to be.

The company is negotiating the rental of the establishment with the owners, the Transporters Association of Cusco.

KFC, on the other hand, is to be located on the corner of Cusco's main square.

An inauguration date for the KFC and the McDonald's has not been announced yet but both locales are currently being remodeled.

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# WOW says :
15 May, 2008 [ 13:02 ]

wow, just what Cusco was missing? What no Tequilla Rocks? They will soon make the list of the top 7 tourist traps of the world. LOL

# Concla81 says :
15 May, 2008 [ 13:20 ]

I hate the idea of having a Mcdonalds, KFC or Starbucks in Cusco. the least we need is for Cusco to become a Disney Land or any common vacacion stop.

# superpaolita says :
15 May, 2008 [ 13:23 ]

I think why tourist like cuzco is also bcoz the main plaza actually looks as a ancient city_ with not all those modern american fast food_ don't get me wrong I love them too, just think starbucks shud be located close to bohemia but defo not where El Ayllu cafè is, plus ayllus coffe is less then $1 < last time I had one there> Starbucks prices in Lima are the same as in America...

# danidanado says :
15 May, 2008 [ 13:59 ]

What a shame, I'm so sad that these icons will deface the magical place which is believed by many to be the Navel of the World.  Certainly do hope that they're forced to keep their signage low key so as not to diminish the spirituality and the magic of this unique city.  I think I'd like to open a Chicha House in protest.  And serve coca tea next to Starbucks.  Anybody with me?

# WOW says :
15 May, 2008 [ 14:05 ]

Navel of the world? What a joke MP is a very new place which has benifited greatly from marketing try going to Caral, thats more like the navel of the world or at least the americas

# superpaolita says :
15 May, 2008 [ 14:05 ]

I'm in !!!

# superpaolita says :
15 May, 2008 [ 14:10 ]

I know there's a new Bembos hamburger place.. but they are peruvian... (with argentinian meat?) and peruvian sandwichs/burger recipes.

# Micaela says :
15 May, 2008 [ 14:55 ]

This is totally a terrible idea, so bad tooo bad idea, How on earth people are happy oo create a sturbucks, Mcdonal's anf KFC. This would definitely change the beautifull face of cuzco I belive, but if u guys are going to do it anyway the best thing is to charge them a lot lots of money for renting the locals because in London for example they pay a lot of money. And the prices for a humburguer are cheaper than in Lima,increidble. SO guys dont be silly.  

# Carlos A. Quiroz says :
15 May, 2008 [ 15:02 ]

You know, I like coffee and Starbucks is not too bad. The problem is that I've heard that Peruvians are racially discriminated in the Starbucks of Lima. Some dark-skinned people are simply not allowed in.

Now if you ask me, what I think of KFC and McDonalds opening locations in Cusco, especially in its main square? I am truly against it. Seriously, the last thing cusquenos need is junk American food at ridiculous prices.

What is next? Victoria Secrets and Cheek&Cheese?

# Anonymous Dave says :
15 May, 2008 [ 15:27 ]

Sad.

# Daniel says :
15 May, 2008 [ 15:52 ]

This is garbage. They aren't opening up to cater to the cusquenos who won't be able to afford the greasy, disgusting chicken and burgers. All their patronage will come from overweight American's looking to get a taste of home when traveling abroad. Where are the palestinian's when you need them??? To hell with these 3 companies!

# superpaolita says :
15 May, 2008 [ 16:20 ]

We (peruvians) don't hate americans, k?
but think it was a lil "touch" NOT having those places around the main plaza. But, think if you were born in cuzco, and maybe never had the chance to come to Lima and see and eat in these places. I also think cuzco ppl have their right to enjoy this around_the_world known places in the city right????? but WHY in the main plazaaa!!!!!! grrrr they will have thousands of customers anyways... 

# Anonymous Dave says :
15 May, 2008 [ 16:57 ]

superpaolita,

The reason why they will be located in the plaza is because these businesses have no interest in cusco people trying out the food. This is directly targeted to visitors from one nation.

# Daniel says :
15 May, 2008 [ 16:59 ]

I can't really understand what you are trying to say above. No offense.
But believe me, cusquenos aren't missing out on having kfc, mcdonalds, or starbucks around the corner.  It's overpriced and unhealthly. I rather eat food from the local street vendor next time I visit Cuzco again then stop into one of these places.

# STFU says :
15 May, 2008 [ 16:59 ]

"They aren't opening up to cater to the cusquenos who won't be able to afford the greasy, disgusting chicken and burgers"
actually  mcdondals in peru is really cheap

# WOW says :
15 May, 2008 [ 17:05 ]

Just go to the MCD in Miraflores and see how many Peruvians are eating there, they out number everyone else. Dont ask me why? Maybe they like paying high prices for crappy food

# CapitanDan says :
15 May, 2008 [ 17:25 ]

This is truly a Travesty. I hope that they keep the original Facade of the buildings and PULLLLEASE don't have those golden arches up with the stupid sign we have sold over 15 billion hamburgers and helped poison millions of people. Starbucks is more people oriented by paying a decent price to the farmers . I have faith they will tone down their building and blend in. With a KFC in the area the local rat population will be kept in check. Next I foresee Plastic Pink Flamingo's being imported to make the Gringo's feel more at home. This is the down side of Capitalism my friends. Chau.

# superpaolita says :
15 May, 2008 [ 18:27 ]

i know i know, was just saying, you seen those lil kids "working" as tourist guides =(
they are kidsss, watching these advertisements on tv all the time... anyways.. was just saying I don't like mcd but I do like hot wings =)
cheers
world peace BYE

# E. Laureano says :
15 May, 2008 [ 18:46 ]

Sorry.. but I love the Idea having KFC, star bucks.. and so... lets stop being so pesemistic...  I am peruvian and I love all this comunities.. well.. if some don't like them I guess could chooses other ones.  It's a choice brother!

# u_know_it says :
15 May, 2008 [ 20:57 ]

well at least the "bloated" americans won't get diarrhea by eating in a KFC or McD's instead of the local chifa or street vendor.  Decrying these as expensive tourist traps is also total hypocrisy, anyone who's eaten around the plaza knows how overpriced the tourist restaurants are for just dry cuye, give me a 4 sole McNifica burger anyday!  And the cusquenos are more capitalistic than the gringos, if they didn't want these businesses there, they wouldn't be allowed to enter.  Peru is NOT a free market.  The cusqueno property owner negotiating a rental agreement with McDonalds is the Transporters Association of Cusco.  The same clowns that stop up the airport and threaten independent taxi drivers with loss of life if they don't strike.  Maybe they want to force the gringos to stay in cusco forever and be forced to eat at a peruvian owned McDonalds everyday LoL...

# David says :
15 May, 2008 [ 23:51 ]

What a disappointment. It is hard to resist the money, but disappointing anyway.

# Rene says :
16 May, 2008 [ 02:07 ]

I'm so sad about this..

McDonalds and Sturbucks has nothing to search in a nice city like cuzco.
Just think about all the trash will end up on the roads like you can see on any places around the world where is a "McIdiot" is located.

Please stop this americanism at least in the andes.. I don't care if they have some at Lima..

Cheers

# Micaela says :
16 May, 2008 [ 04:14 ]

I AM totally agree with Carlos A. and Daniel. Cuzco wont be the same if they have the Americans companies around. So sad for cuzco.
President should do something to avoit this racial discrimianation for once in thier lifes.

# FeLLInLoveinCusco says :
16 May, 2008 [ 08:52 ]

Cusco as a city has a special magic, these stores opening there will definetly take away from that magic.  

# Rita says :
16 May, 2008 [ 08:53 ]

Please send your concerns to CUarto poder maybe they could do a piece and inform us about the plans and how are they planning to do the construction without putting so many modern building and keeping the old city look.


http://www.americatv.com.pe/cuartopoder/contactenos.asp

# Carlos A. Quiroz says :
16 May, 2008 [ 12:47 ]

Just a quick note: people, please get updated and educated: Cusco is spelled with S -both in English and Spanish- because it is derived from the Quechua word Qosqo. All the institutions and scholars of Cusco have already said it several times: Cusco with Z is offensive to them. Thank you.

Getting back to this topic: after MCD, KFC and SB open in Cusco, be prepared to see a Burger King and Hooters in Aguas Calientes. Even worse, Walt Disney might buy Machu Picchu. Don't you love neoliberal economy? Aww free market, is all about money, money, money...

# CapitanDan says :
16 May, 2008 [ 12:50 ]

My Friends Cusco is not Disneyland . I see nothing wrong with Disneyland. In the U.S. and Europe their are Historical landmark associations that preside over certain Buildings and areas to preserve the History, Culture and That way of life that we came from. These Associations have power and are made up of the residents with little Government input. I have a friend who owns a Building in the U.S. and he can not alter anything on the outside of the building without submitting plans to the Association. That is what we need here, before the buildings are changed forever. I have no problem with KFC and the others selling their product. If you want to have a big arse and have to pay for 2 seats on a plane or bus , or keep the seamstresses and Tailor's busy expanding your legacy that's your right in a free society's am concerned with preserving Peru's history.I think we should demand that the wrappings of this food be wrapped in Biodegradable paper and no plastic. It is now that we must do something not later. Chau Friends

# Karina says :
31 May, 2008 [ 00:01 ]

STFU,

I don't know where you live , but $4.00 for a burguer? It might be ok for the United States but for Peru? I don't think I would say Mcdonalds in Peru is really cheap.

# danidanado says :
31 May, 2008 [ 12:05 ]

I stand by what I said earlier.  According to legend, CUSCO, was built where it is because of it's geographical relation to the stars.  It is beleived still by many to be the Navel ( center ) of this living planet.  I would hate to see this magical city defaced by McD's, KFC's etc. and their neon signs.  Next time I'm there I guess I'll hang out at the Mirador de los Incas, drink a bit of chicha and blow some holy smoke in their direction!

# nathalia says :
16 August, 2008 [ 20:26 ]

i'm peruvian(cusqueña) and i'm so sad , this is a terrible idea, bad idea garbage, i'm disapointed

stop this americanism, i agree with Rene, dave, fellinloveincusco

# peloflex says :
16 August, 2008 [ 21:05 ]

I haven't tried Bembos lately... but the Bembos I used to know when they first openned back in the early nineties... oh man! that was 100 times better than any burger that I have ever had. no comparison with McDonnal's. 

Now about the article... I am not in favor for just one reason.... If US or the world in general would allow Peru to export our magnificent Coca leave, to be used as tea... then I wouldn't be against Starbucks bringing their franchaise to Peru....  It's funny, Coca leave is illegal but Coca Cola is not... when we all know that Coca Cola still buys coca leaves from Peru to make the soda.

But in a more positive aproach, I guess the more options a place has to offer turists, the better.

# Baby Huey says :
16 August, 2008 [ 21:58 ]

LOL, stop the americanism.  Then you'll complain when everyone gets poorer and business investment has dried up.  Cusco will lose it's magic from a Starbucks? The magic couldn't have been very strong if that were the case. 

Bring them in, have strong local laws about how the signage and frontages can be done (i.e. toned down).  Then you will have no problem, and for some people they will have an option they like.

Boooo Hoooo I'm sooooo sad everyone!

# David says :
17 August, 2008 [ 14:04 ]

You have a point, but the problem also goes deeper then that. If all you bring in is low paying jobs then you really don't benefit the area you serve in. Yes truckers will have to ship in the goods you sell and a ship or a plane will have some roll in this as well but the area around Cuzco will not see an increase in good paying jobs.

I'd like to see something that will raise the standard of living for the locals. Now if the local government could pass a law that all employees of these international chains must pay salaries 20% higher then minimum wage, it could work out. The local gov. gets higher taxes paid, incomes of these employees increases and the tourist pay the bill.

# vivi says :
4 September, 2008 [ 15:03 ]

I don't get it.
it's not a bad idea to open fast foods in cusco. if there are going to be on the main plaza, they're not going to harm anything... does bembos look out of place? when I was first there i didn't even noticed it.

and I go to Starbucks in Lima (I'm limeña), and I can tell you, they don't discrimine anyone in there. you can see it not just with the people who work there, also the clients. I have seen "watchmans" ("huachimanes" in peruvian spanish xD) that go to buy some coffee or food and there are just like any other client and are treated right.

and also for people who doesn't know, Starbucks and KFC (same group here in Peru) have social projects and are always planning things with the workers to go help people or to give money. also a part of the training is trying to get involved with people around you and your comunnity: I have friends that works there.

and the last and most important thing: Cusco has it's own magic, please don't think that is going to become Disneyland or something: money is money and that is everywhere. Peruvian people aren't stupid.
Macchu Picchu is going to be Macchu Picchu always, so if tourists want to go to a rural place, please go to a little town in the middle of nothing and not to the main place of a state that's trying to grow in a centralized country, that's hard enough for Cusco and it's people, that want progress and modernity for them too.

# Pablo says :
20 October, 2008 [ 03:35 ]

People don't worry, there are laws and regulations to tone down the signs.

Another thing, stop your america-centralist point of view, the companies are going to start with 1 shop... and then more will come, like it was in Lima, Arequipa, Trujillo, etc. I'm sorry, but Cusco is a big city 

(pop: 300.000) and it is going to modernise along the rest of Perú, the center of the city will keep its flavor, the "modern" side will be located to the south, in a few years tall office buildings and apartments will be built but not near the town square. I'm peruvian and this information just appeared in the paper yesterday.

# Ernesto Guevara says :
26 October, 2008 [ 23:28 ]

The american companies go around the world offering good job and all transsactions are in $$$$ ( Dolares ), but they paid in current money. For instance in Lima Peru Mac Donald charge for a Big Mac $8.25 (Soles) that mean $ 2.89 dolares because it is the price in United States, but the peruvian workers earn minimum salary $ 150 Soles weekly, that mean 40 hours $ 3.75 soles per hour. YOU DON'T THINK IT'S A BIG ABUSE?.
Good would be they earn $ 5.00 dolars an hour, that will be even. What do you think??. Please let me know.
With it the rich people make theirself more rich and the poor people make more poor.

# Pablo says :
27 October, 2008 [ 14:18 ]

That's true, but in the coast, the average income is much higher. The numbers go down when the poorest zones of the country are factored in. And the city of Cusco is NOT so poor that they cannot eat at mac donald's. 

# cori says :
22 April, 2009 [ 15:09 ]

mcdonals---> 100 year old meet, from god knows where. FAT, synthetic food.

KFC----->poor chickens, a lot behind this industry ewww

i am peruvian and live in lima, i dont eat low quality food like these crap i mentioned but if u want to stablish ur business do it but do it responsably.....now pay good wages, respect the surroundings and chill out money isnt IT all. i like americans i just dont like ur 30% of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere dude you gotta stop those huge industries and just like u depleted the planet .....fix it and just stop spreading shitty food to our tables ....is sad most people dont know what it taked for a burger of such companies to get on the red mcdonals table is just gross... PEACE

# Fred Flongerburgerstein says :
22 April, 2009 [ 15:43 ]

Why aren't any of you Peruvians decrying Bembos being in the Cusco plaza?  My goodness, what kind of meat do they use...Camel?  Bembos is the most disgusting hamburgers ever to grace the planet. 

I'll take a BigMac over a maggot and trichinosis infested Lomo Saltado anyday!!

# Rachel in Peru says :
22 April, 2009 [ 21:12 ]

Cori,

McDonald's isn't in the hamburger business, it's in the REAL ESTATE business. - That Plaza de Armas is another piece of fine, prime property to add to their list.

And I HATE Bembos! It was good 4 years ago, but then somewhere along the way they changed their formula.

I always get sick after eating at a Peruvian franchise like Bembos or Pardo's.

I don't know where the McD's meat comes from, BUT the potatoes for the french fries come from Canada and NOT Peru....Such a shame.

# cori says :
22 April, 2009 [ 21:29 ]

i dont eat meat,  im a vegetarian 19 year old so i cant really argue about the meat, never tried bembos...i dont like fast food
:( mcdonalds meat= argentine, cheap labor, genetic modified lettuce tomato , etc GMO genetic modified meat because cows eat genetic modified food, antibiotics that cause puss on the milk etc i cant really write that much right now but i love this issue about gmo foods and conventional foods, organic also but mc donals aint organic. I respect ur opinion rachel i dont know if bembos is bad or where the meet comes from i dont eat their meet because i dont trust these businesses,

greetings
lets keep cusco organic

# Rene says :
23 April, 2009 [ 05:44 ]

Funny reasoning... first you don't eat meat because your vegetarian, then you don't because you don't trust the business. hmmm... choose one principle and stick with it, this is confusing.

Organic is good. I support the increase of organic plantations and consumption of the organic produce (as long as it is not outrageously more expensive). But Cusco is abolutely not organic. There are organic plantations, for sure, but there are also plenty of plantations that use Roundup. So please do not base you opinion on these populist arguments. And since you're so interested in GMO foods, at least read up on some science behind it. There are plenty of reasons to be against GMO foods, but: cows become GMO because they eat GMO? Really? And I become green from eating my veggies... and puss on milk because of antibiotics? I thought that antibiotics always killed the orgnisms that could form puss (if that were even possible on milk). And what's wrong with meat from Argentina? It's beef is known as one of the better ones in the world. You have your right to be against McDonalds, but please do not use arguments that are just as poor as that clown's burgers...

# Rachel in Peru says :
23 April, 2009 [ 07:41 ]

Just a reminder. McDonald's Peru is not owned by the corporate McDonald's in Chicago.

McDonald's in Peru is a franchise held by another Peruvian company. I believe it's the same company that has the rights to the Starbucks licensing, but I could be wrong.

# carla says :
23 April, 2009 [ 08:21 ]

it is so sad to know that mcdonalds, starbucks and kentucky fried chicken will be taking up residency in cuzco ~ what ever happened to supporting peruvian products in peru ? what a nightmare !

# cori says :
23 April, 2009 [ 14:28 ]

thats my opinion im not attacking you  rene, i really dont remember the source of what i said but i learned that in your country in high school. I spend a lot of time at a gmo farm and sometimes when u use a lot of antibiotics ...ok i am school right now but illl log in later i forgot the name of the book http://media.www.the-telescope.com/media/storage/paper749/news/2007/05/07/Opinion/Ignorance.Causes.Unhealthy.Eating.Habits-2927834.shtml
try checkin it out. or more pages mmmm I cant really put a lot into my opinion with sources just if u are interested check on google.
greeting

# Rodrigo says :
23 April, 2009 [ 15:03 ]

Cusco now ruined by Yankee Imperialists Damm.

# Rodrigo says :
23 April, 2009 [ 15:05 ]

Great Targets for Shinning Path.

# Rene says :
23 April, 2009 [ 15:47 ]

Cori, never said you attacked me, did I? And "but i learned that in your country in high school"? Which country would that be?

Schoolbooks... search Google? Not much support for your opinion there, is it? In the article you linked in, which is an opinion article, it says" Unless cows are treated with antibiotics, mastitis also causes milk to contain high levels of puss." That's opposite from what you said above. You'll need to learn to look critical at facts, but that will come when you go to college. Once you do, you'll find that indeed there is a lot wrong out there but that there is also a lot of BS opinions being spread on Internet. And when you want to give your own opinion critisizing people or business, you better have your arguments ready...

# Fred Flongerburgerstein says :
23 April, 2009 [ 16:28 ]

You call American "Yankee imperialists" for putting a McDonalds in Cusco?  Are you tonto? 

I guess I can call you guys "Peruvian Imperialists" for setting up Peruvian restaurants in Miami. 

# Fred Flongerburgerstein says :
23 April, 2009 [ 16:33 ]

Let me remind all Peruvians that you yourselves stole much of Ecuador's jungle from them not too long ago.  You are the Imperialists.

# noname says :
24 April, 2009 [ 02:22 ]

Oye Fred, what a BIG IGNORANT YOU ARE! do yourself a favor, go grab some books and do your research before you continue to look retarded in front of all of us in here.  Just go!

# David says :
24 April, 2009 [ 07:05 ]

Getting tired of tuning in here only to see everyone bashing another.

Be constructive, or don't say anything.

# noname says :
24 April, 2009 [ 11:47 ]

welcome to the club!

# Grisel Vasquez says :
10 September, 2009 [ 04:02 ]

So anybody know the update on Starbucks? El Ayllu cafe is currently closed.

# Carlos Benavides says :
10 September, 2009 [ 11:24 ]

This is awful news.

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