Saridan

[Rogue]

Klipberg - In the capital city of Kaap "snacking" is the new norm. Busy schedules, simple lifestyles and simply a hunger for good food have made fast food more popular over the years. What inevitably further causes the increase in popularity is a decrease in household income, as "snacking" at fast food chains is affordable for every day families trying to make ends meet. One of the most popular chains at the moment of writing this article is "Happie!", literally "Snack!" in Luthorian. The chain started in Klipberg some 7 years ago but has since expanded to every province and now has over 120 locations nationwide. They sell burgers, fried chicken, shakes and fries amongst other delicacies for rather affordable prices. Last year, the chain sold nearly 400 million worth of food, making 40 million in profit. Happie! CEO Annabelle Plessis also announced that the chain seeks to expand to nearly 500 locations by the end of 5666 (marking the 10th anniversary of the company). Her dream is to expand the chain abroad, but so far that possibility hasnt presented itself. 

The succes of Happie! isnt unique, but its scale is. Across the country small "snack bars" have opened and have seen local succes, also selling fast food at a smaller scale. These small stores are leaving their mark on communities and allowing locals to buy affordable meals where it would normally not be possible at restaurants. What this move towards fastfood also shows however is the worsened financial situations of many families throughout the country. Socioligist Christiaan de Jager from the University of Koeistad notes that household income has decreased by nearly 25% in the last 20 years, as the economy has shrunk and jobs have been lost. The new SNP government's push on defense might bring some of those jobs back, but it will not be enough to grow household income in the long run. To make a real change the government will need a long term economic agenda capable of delivering growth and rising living standards. So far the Pienaar government has yet to provide such a plan. 

While fast food is a solution for many, it is a solution of desperation, not free will. A opportunity for companies in the sector to grow, but a necessity for families trying to make ends meet.