First, McDonald’s demanded the Andrews government supersize its compensation for demolishing the burger chain’s flagship city store to build a new underground rail line.

Now, the franchisee that ran the store wants more than 13 times what the government originally offered – seeking $21.6 million, not the $1.6 million first put on the table – for terminating its Swanston Street business.

The McDonald's store before it was demolished. The busiest city McDonald's, it sold $7.2 million worth of fast food that year. Credit:Penny Stephens

The government, after disputing the claim from the franchisee, appears to have buckled and last month quadrupled its offer.

But this $6.7 million offer was not enough for the franchisee, which has taken its fight to the Supreme Court.