Feathers ruffled over botched store opening

A new Dunedin chicken restaurant has finally opened its doors after ruffling the feathers of hungry customers who were turned away yesterday morning.

Chicking fans were left disappointed when the store’s opening was canned at the last minute.

The Dunedin branch of the global restaurant franchise was set to open its new Andersons Bay Rd store at 11.30am.

But queuing customers were left disappointed when the restaurant announced the opening had been delayed.

‘‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to delay the opening of our Dunedin store.

‘‘We sincerely apologise to everyone who was planning to celebrate with us today.

‘‘We know many of you have been looking forward to our opening, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment,’’ Chicking posted on its Facebook page.

A frustrated customer told the ODT that when they arrived there was no food being prepared.

‘‘You’ve got to be chicking me,’’ he said.

A promised social media update at 3pm did not materialise, but the restaurant finally opened its doors about 5pm.

Chicking was established in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, in 2000.

It now has more than 315 outlets in 35 countries.

Chicking has not been the only chicken chain eyeing up Dunedin; resource consent has also been approved for a South Dunedin drive-through restaurant for fast-food giant Popeyes. — Allied Media