[JoMar]

I think Culver's came because the owner bought the franchise, not because of a petition. Most people that start business's (or Corporations) do so because a market study and business plan say they should. Unless those signing petitions or making phone calls are willing to guarantee revenue, a business would be irresponsible to go someplace based on a non-revenue generating petition. One thing a petition might do is make them aware of a market they haven't investigated but if the numbers don't work, neither will the business.