> First, we compare census tracts that
received a Starbucks to census tracts that expected a Starbucks but did not ultimately get one due
to administrative issues such as city planning, zoning board rejection, architectural board
rejection, or community mobilization. These ‘rejected’ Starbucks are a natural control group
because Starbucks Corporation also sought to invest in those neighborhoods.
This is a terrible control group cuz it probably means that the cities that rejected starbucks have idiotic zoning and permit policies that impact entrepreneurship. Like SF, any restaurant that has over 7 locations requires special permitting and can be easily blocked.