I was meeting a client at their location, and I asked why they were renting instead of owning their own location. Especially with their rent costs.
In the past they had owned their own buildings, but now where they were located, single small businesses were no longer allowed because of building restrictions. They allowed strip mall but no single stand-alone business. I am assuming that large franchises have been excluded.
I have to admit, this seems to be petty and small minded. It would keep me from opening a business in such an area, especially keep me from buying the land to build upon.
I am aware that most communities use their political influence to allow or exclude business of all sizes from certain areas. They then wonder why businesses are not knocking their doors down to move into the area…