Kenting is a popular tourist and vacation destination in southern Taiwan, but it is also a highly competitive area for restaurants, and prices at food stalls in Kenting Nightmarket can sometimes be just outrageous. Following KFC’s departure from Kenting Street 13 years ago, the McDonald’s in Kenting, which had been operating for 28 years, also ceased operations after the passage of typhoon Koinu, which by the way damaged Kenting Street a lot.
Both major fast-food brands withdrew one after the other, and locals lamented that it was due to high rents and the division of customers by the Hengchun store; McDonald’s headquarters said they withdrew based on overall business considerations, and the nearby business district still has the “Hengchun Heng Gong Restaurant” in operation.
The McDonald’s in Kenting is located next to the CPC Kenting gas station at the entrance of Kenting Street, and this is a particularly sad feeling for me personally since this was the first thing that “greeted” me when you arrived in Kenting – the Mcdonalds sign on the left meant, that you’ve arrived to Kenting. Not that I was a fan of eating in Kenting Mcdonalds, but it was sure a landmark here.
During the passage of the typhoon Koinu earlier this month, the store was severely damaged, with its rooftop sign being skewed by the strong winds.
Locals noticed that not long after the storm, the store began removing equipment and eventually turned off all its lights. Some speculated a major renovation was underway, but the official website showed “closed for business”, suggesting issues with expensive equipment repairs, impact from the establishment of the Hengchun store, and increased rent by the landlord.
Gone with the wind 🙁
When KFC left Kenting Street 13 years ago due to a rent hike, it caused an outcry. This sudden departure of McDonald’s from Kenting has prompted local residents to voice their wishes on local online community platforms, hoping for KFC’s return. A resident surnamed Huang said that the McDonald’s in Kenting had been in business for 28 years.
Kenting Mcdonalds shortly before closure later this year
t was not only a popular choice for tourists and locals for late-night snacks and breakfasts but also a sign of progress. Before establishing the Hengchun store 10 kilometers away from Kenting, residents of the Hengchun Peninsula would drive to Kenting to dine, making it a sweet memory for locals.
If you felt hungry while staying in the pretty luxury Chateau Beach Resort, McDonald’s was literally a few minutes walk away.
The white roofed building at the left side of the picture is Chateau Beach Resort, I talked above
Taiwan McDonald’s headquarters explained that the Kenting restaurant in Pingtung opened in March 1995. Based on overall business considerations, the “Pingtung Kenting Restaurant” closed in early October.
The nearby business district still has the “Hengchun Heng Gong Restaurant” serving Hengchun residents, and the original restaurant staff will also transfer to Hengchun Heng Gong, inviting old and new customers to continue their support.
So, now, upon entering Kenting Street, you’ll see McDonald’s, but its lights are out. Only the front wall remains, and the place where the signboard used to hang leaves behind a mark. You can vaguely make out its original appearance.
In the heart of Kenting where waves meet sand,
Stood an emblem familiar, a golden brand.
For 28 years, under the sun’s fiery crest,
It served happy meals, doing its best.
The winds of change, with the typhoon’s might,
Distorted its sign, dimmed its once bright light.
Now an empty silhouette against the vast blue sky,
A beacon of memories, where old times lie.
Though nature and fate have played their part,
The golden arches remain, in many a heart.
Kenting moves on, with the ebb and flow,
But the joy once brought, will forever glow.