Stay away - that's the resounding message to large fast food chains with hundreds of The Newsport readers voting to have their say.

As at midday Thursday, over 400 people had cast their vote with around 82 per cent saying they would not like to see a McDonalds, KFC, or other large fast food franchise in Port Doulgas.

Remaining "unique" and a potentially negative effect on small business were the main reasons given.

And it seems many in the food industry in Port Douglas agree saying that it would be extremely difficult to compete in the price-driven family market.

"Without a doubt it would have a huge effect. I'd eat there myself." said Wayne Stapleton who operates both Lure Restaurant and the popular Under Wraps cafe.

"If it was out at Craiglie I don't think it would have an effect," he said.

Port O Call's manager, Gillian Dennis, said the town would be changed forever if a chain were to call Port Douglas home.

"I think what makes Port Douglas a unique place is that we don't have fast food chains. Once we start changing that we change the whole face of what Port Douglas is about.

"I think it would affect all business in town. The unique experience for people coming here is to try something a little bit different.

"People are coming here for an experience, not to do exactly what they do at home and bring home a box of fried chicken."

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Andy Viola's new Bulls Burgers would need to go head to head with the large burger stores in a battle which he said would not end well for smaller establishments.

"Everyone in town tries to give the best service and quality they can at the best price they can," he said.

"If a multi-national company comes in and tries to grab a bite of that cherry it'll have a major impact on people like myself and other cafes and small eateries in town.

"I don't think the top end and fine dining will be affected too much but the people who try and get quality food out quickly and cheaply will probably cop it if Macca's or KFC come in to town."

The Ironbar has recognised the growth in the family market coming to Port Douglas, but said the presence of a franchise would not draw more people to town.

"I've certainly never Googled a holiday destination to see if it had a McDonalds," said owner Steve Hull.

"Any cheaper options will affect us. That market has been the catalyst behind our food really spiking. A lot of that is families.

"It is a growing industry in town and it's one that we're shaping our business model to service fully," he said.

Mr Hull said there is little chance of seeing the golden arches in town any time soon, saying the location doesn't suit their business model.

"I don't reckon a McDonalds or anyone would look at Port Douglas. They rely on volume, and not just volume the middle of the season but volume in December and volume in February."

Mr Stapleton agrees. "If they don't have the population base to guarantee what the franchisee is going to make, then they won't put it in. Eventually it will come but it's going to be a while." he said.

There's still time to have your say, visit 'The Viewpoint - Aww we're not that bad' and vote and comment away. Polling closes on Monday.