Controversy Over Fast Food Establishment in Saint-Ouen

A saga currently captivating the residents of Saint-Ouen, chicken lovers, and social media users is the arrival of a Master Poulet fast-food outlet in the town of Seine-Saint-Denis. The mayor is strongly opposed to this and is using a variety of legal tactics and some rather unconventional methods to try to shut down the establishment.

The outlet opened its doors on April 11th, just a few steps away from the Mairie de Saint-Ouen metro station and city hall. On the opening day, Karim Bouamrane deployed the municipal police for three checks. The following day, there was a hygiene inspection. The day after that, concrete blocks were even installed to block access to the shop. In response, the administrative court of Montreuil ordered the removal of the concrete blocks on April 18th, dealing a blow to the socialist mayor. The outlet had raised concerns about the safety of its employees, some of whom were trapped inside, as well as a total of “14 police interventions” in three days.

Struggle Against Junk Food or Gentrification?

After its reopening, Master Poulet proudly displayed a banner celebrating its legal victory: “No offense to Karim, we are open,” it read, delighting fans of the chain specializing in grilled chicken and particularly popular among young people.

On social media, Karim Bouamrane defended himself against accusations of gentrification, citing the “respect for public authority” in response to claims that the owners of Master Poulet had not presented their project to the municipality.

“This type of establishment goes against our high-quality business project. Junk food has no place in Saint-Ouen,” warned Karim Bouamrane’s circle to Le Parisien, despite the previous existence of a Burger King restaurant just a few meters away from Master Poulet. “We will use all means to obtain closure.”

While awaiting the outcome of legal challenges, the Saint-Ouen city hall is using all its power to disrupt the activities of Master Poulet. The most recent move was the installation of 10 giant pots of palm trees and shrubs in front of the fast-food entrance on Friday.

According to Me Sefen Guez Guez, Master Poulet’s lawyer, a bailiff appointed by the business noted a “fecal odor” emanating from the pots. Master Poulet is evaluating the financial damage incurred to pursue further legal action. To be continued…