Two months after many New York chain restaurants began posting the number of calories in their food, customers are shying away from their calorie-laden favorites and opting for lighter fare.
All New York City restaurants with 15 or more branches were forced to post calories on their menu boards beginning May 5. Restaurants that fail to comply will be fined between $200 and $2,000 during inspections after July 18.
"It's a big topic of conversation [among customers],"said a Starbucks employee, who thinks the company needs to come up with healthier alternatives. In fact, Starbucks is doing just that.
Officials at McDonald's declined to comment, but a Burger King spokesman said the company is still fighting the regulations. However, officials at the city's Department of Health said last week that the rules are final and any hopes of an appeal are futile. A federal appeals court is still reviewing the matter.
