Chain haters try a new slam

Chain haters have a new epithet for McDonald’s, Red Lobster and the like: “formula restaurants.”

Among the more interesting initiatives put before voters yesterday was a proposal to ban formula restaurants in the coastal town of Ogunquit, ME. The measure passed by more than a 2:1 ratio (506 to 207).

Lest you wonder what constitutes a formula restaurant, the ordinance spells it out. Such an accursed establishment has "standardized features which cause the restaurant to be substantially identical to another restaurant regardless of ownership or location," it reads.

According to an Associated Press story posted on www.boston.com, Ogunquit joins at least a dozen other towns in banning formula businesses. Other news reports indicated that the Ogunquit initiative was drafted and promoted by a local bakery operator who heard that a Dunkin’ Donuts might open in the town.