New Initiative Could Bring Farm-Fresh Food To Fast Food

WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It could be the start of a restaurant renaissance in West Sacramento as some fast food restaurants may get a locally-grown makeover.

The idea is a so-called "restaurant incubator."

"Restaurants can be a very, very expensive feat," said Marvin Maldanado.

Maldanado just opened Broderick Restaurant and Bar a few weeks ago. He's seeing the early success, but feeling the pain.

"Definitely blood, definitely sweat, definitely, and definitely a lot of tears," he said.

The city of West Sacramento is planning on buying unused fast-food spots and moving-in start-up owners to share the space, until those owners have enough success to branch out on their own.

"It's such a big win, you know, in terms of creating new businesses, creating new kinds of foods and restaurants in our community, helping support local agriculture," West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said.

The idea is called "farm to fast food." It would benefit West Sacramento farmers as well.

Local farmers like Daniel Gannon would sell their produce to the new eateries.

"For me, that's a helpful thing to have in the community," said Gannon. "I need a market that values what I'm doing."

Getting a restaurant started in any community can be a tall order.

"It all comes down to money at the end of the day," said Maldanado.

And in West Sacramento, entrepreneurs may soon have a chance to get a break on their bill.