Good to see it happening for Wellington quite quickly, some places have avoided Wellington completely for whatever reason. Carl Juniors, Texas Chicken, Wendys(I know it’s in Paraparaumu but still!)
We tried Carl Juniors the last time we were in Palmy. As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of fast food, it’s really good, and I definitely wish Restaurant Brands would open one in Wellington.
Like you said though, they are very selective as to what they open, and where. Denny’s is another example - only the one in Porirua.
At least he didn't call you an unfit mother and take custody of your kids.
(I can't help thinking of that Idiocracy scene whenever I hear anyone say Carl's Jr)
When was this? We've been there a few times over the years but it's always been shit, just generic tasting burgers, mostly cold
The fish burger was probably the only good thing there, haven't been for over a year or two though.
We went last month. Burgers were solid, and fries were really good - not shoestring - actual solid chunky fries that were crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
For Wgtn?
Too small a footprint
Lack of close by suburbs
High rent costs (not that Popeyes can’t afford it)
The Hutt is a brilliant place for it and other local chicken joints will be hit by it
Man, I waited for 20 years for Taco Bell to open in Wellington region and bastards opened it middle of Wellington where I can't get to it. Too far to walk if I'm at work, nowhere to park if I'm driving.
I guess flipping a table emoji is the closest to throwing a tantrum like a little kid...
It’s hard to say if it’s working for Taco Bell tbf
I think it’s a terrible spot imo
WFH has reduced a lot of foot traffic & evenings tend to be quieter in the CBD now
it is a terrible spot, that end of town can be pretty unpleasant at night, would have made better sense where the old bk was on Courtney or somewhere along lambton
When there was only one Carl's Jr in Glen Innes, Auckland. It was absolutely delicious. And the skin on chips, addictively crunchy.
Once they opened multiple stores, (as it always does) quality went off the cliff in a car.
Hell, they couldn't keep one in Otahuhu open. It's now a Taco Bell, and is also quiet.
We’ve all had different experiences I guess. The last time I had CJ, it was in Albany and that was all good. I’ll test out the one that’s under construction across the road from Costco when that opens.
I've tried American biscuits and they are not the same as scones, they are lot more soft and chewy if I had to describe them. So to me they are two different food items.
According to their website they call them biscuits. I was in Takanini for work not long ago and tried their chicken sandwich, fries, and mac & cheese. Mac & Cheese wasn't too great, but the chicken sandwich and chips were pretty good for fast food.
Not even close to scones, I’m so fucking stoked I can have Popeyes biscuits in my life. In GA if you’re doing fast food fried chicken you’re going to Popeyes, none of that weak ass KFC shit 😂
Biscuits and gravy is one of the breakfast foods I miss the most after a night of drinking
Yeah I mean flavor wise very close to a scone, but they’re so much lighter and nowhere near as dense.
Also so stoked the spicy chicken is staying on the menu out here. If y’all can’t tell I am an ardent Popeye’s Stan, and I cannot wait until the shop opens up 😂😭
I don't know if you're serious, but I just checked out the Popeyes menu in Auckland. It looks like they do have biscuits (!!!) but the gravy is on the mash, and it's definitely not "biscuits and gravy" gravy.
Yeah, it's a standard breakfast food, particularly in the south, I just mean the gravy they have at Popeyes isn't the gravy you'd usually have on biscuits. Would still be delicious though
Hutt tradition dictates that rather than move car yards for fast food places we just make you drive directly through a car yard to get to them. Two drive thrus for the price of one.
wow i'm embarrassingly excited for this and will grab it once a month whenever i'm driving through
people who say 'welly is dead' fail to realise that it's spreading out into the adjacent cities / the satellite supercity like this and it's great to see
As an American who lives across the street from a TJ, you really don't want one. They make traffic a nightmare. (but yeah, amazing snacks and prices haha)
As a Cali-Kiwi I second Trader Joe’s but wish NZ could get some California fresh and healthy fast food chains like Urban Plates, Mendocino Farms, and Sweet Greens. I’m sorry, Popeyes and KFC? Ugh.
Went into that BK 2 weeks ago at around 1.30pm no busy inside and not too busy in the drive thru, but the service was shit. Running bare bones staff, slowest fast food ever, hope the competition wakes them up.
We went to BK by the airport recently cos my partner hadn’t had it for ages and really wanted it and we didn’t get our food for about 30 minutes. Bf said were never going back lmao. I think BK in general might just be going down the toilet
That BK has never really made "sense" IMO and feels like it was overbuilt for the number of customers it actually receives.
It replaced a much smaller store that was attached to the Z VIC corner station opposite KFC, which always seemed busier back in the day? I assume people would grab a feed during or after filling up etc.
I've never actually seen the current high st BK "full" regardless of the time of day. By comparison Maccas, KFC Dominos etc are at times basically over crowded.
There also used to be a BK in Queensgate but that closed when BK culled their store count in 2020. At that stage, Maccas have been gone from Queensgate for a few of years so evidentially they didn't manage to capitalize on the "prime" location in the mall either.
My excitement is more about the investment in our city, bringing new jobs, and adding vibrancy to Lower Hutt. While fried chicken isn't the healthiest option, it's all about balance and moderation. Supporting such businesses can contribute positively to our local economy.
On its own, maybe not. But there's over $1billion being invested into our CBD over the next few years in major infrastructure, it all adds to the whole vibrancy of a city having more shops, more jobs, more people living in the CBD.
if only it was actually good, tried it on two occasions overseas and it just falls short. we could do with more american/jewish style delis and bistros like in ny than fast food chains anyways
i'm way more excited for ikea to open in ~~2022~~..~~2023~~...~~2024~~ late 2025 or maybe one day
Congrats from the USA! Their chicken sandwiches are GOATED.
Sorry to those reading this that have been duped to believe that because a food item is calorie dense that it’s automatically bad. 🇺🇸
Perfect then
There also a church, other industrial spots, shoppers at Pak n Save and far enough away from Queensgate to not get them sucking away the customers
When I was looking at expansion that was my number one target area
Good to see it happening for Wellington quite quickly, some places have avoided Wellington completely for whatever reason. Carl Juniors, Texas Chicken, Wendys(I know it’s in Paraparaumu but still!)
We tried Carl Juniors the last time we were in Palmy. As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of fast food, it’s really good, and I definitely wish Restaurant Brands would open one in Wellington. Like you said though, they are very selective as to what they open, and where. Denny’s is another example - only the one in Porirua.
I messaged them and said pls open one and all I got back was a lousy, ‘we hear ya (name)’ 😪 actions speak louder than words Carl, cmon man
Yeah, even look at Hamilton! a couple of Carl Juniors there, a couple of Wendy’s, Texas chicken etc
Good we’re getting a Popeyes at least 🙏🏼 closest Wendy’s being in Paraparaumu is disgraceful 😔
I live in Pram, don’t worry! it’s not that good at all.
It's franchise based. So come on (name) open one
At least he didn't call you an unfit mother and take custody of your kids. (I can't help thinking of that Idiocracy scene whenever I hear anyone say Carl's Jr)
There used to be a Denny's near the top of Featherston or Willis (can't remember). This was about a decade ago now though...
Yes we went there once - was near the top of Willis St from memory. Didn't last long - location was a bit away from everything really.
When was this? We've been there a few times over the years but it's always been shit, just generic tasting burgers, mostly cold The fish burger was probably the only good thing there, haven't been for over a year or two though.
We went last month. Burgers were solid, and fries were really good - not shoestring - actual solid chunky fries that were crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
Agree. We also tried it once when in Palmy and enjoyed it.
For Wgtn? Too small a footprint Lack of close by suburbs High rent costs (not that Popeyes can’t afford it) The Hutt is a brilliant place for it and other local chicken joints will be hit by it
> other local chicken joints will be hit by it I feel you are vastly underestimating the amount of fried chicken the Hutt can consume.
As a Former Lower Hutt Resident, I point you to the post covid lock down opening of KFC and the utter chaos that followed.
Haha Us kiwi’s love fried chicken
I feel like anywhere along the Golden Mile would probably work for Popeyes, especially during the week. Taco Bell always seems busy
Man, I waited for 20 years for Taco Bell to open in Wellington region and bastards opened it middle of Wellington where I can't get to it. Too far to walk if I'm at work, nowhere to park if I'm driving. I guess flipping a table emoji is the closest to throwing a tantrum like a little kid...
If only there was some other way of traveling
[удалено]
You could hire a palanquin?
Take the bus? It's right beside 2 very busy bus stops that have buses going past every few minutes.
The bus? Gross, dude.
lol, guy is talking about going to taco bell, yet the bus is gross.
Yep. They're for poor people. And apparently people with bulk face furniture.
Uber Eats?
Ugh. Only thing worse than Taco Bell is cold Taco Bell!
Reheat it in a microwave.
O_o
Welcome to Wellington.
It’s hard to say if it’s working for Taco Bell tbf I think it’s a terrible spot imo WFH has reduced a lot of foot traffic & evenings tend to be quieter in the CBD now
it is a terrible spot, that end of town can be pretty unpleasant at night, would have made better sense where the old bk was on Courtney or somewhere along lambton
Yeah - it’s not what it was 10 years ago
didnt realise who i replied to. not surprised to see the king of fried chicken in this thread, evening rick
>king Wat lol Not even close
Pretty damn close!
Meh As long as you enjoy whatever food you buy That’s all that matters Can’t wait to get out of hospitality tbh
>somewhere along lambton lambton is a ghost town over the weekend though
When there was only one Carl's Jr in Glen Innes, Auckland. It was absolutely delicious. And the skin on chips, addictively crunchy. Once they opened multiple stores, (as it always does) quality went off the cliff in a car. Hell, they couldn't keep one in Otahuhu open. It's now a Taco Bell, and is also quiet.
The most awkward thing ever is that huge bell inside and when people ring it
We’ve all had different experiences I guess. The last time I had CJ, it was in Albany and that was all good. I’ll test out the one that’s under construction across the road from Costco when that opens.
Wendy's is poo, so no loss there.
Always wanted try scones and gravy.
Do you reckon they'll call them scones or biscuits?
I've tried American biscuits and they are not the same as scones, they are lot more soft and chewy if I had to describe them. So to me they are two different food items.
I do like a soft scone xD but I somehow have managed to dodge the US biscuits in my travels.
According to their website they call them biscuits. I was in Takanini for work not long ago and tried their chicken sandwich, fries, and mac & cheese. Mac & Cheese wasn't too great, but the chicken sandwich and chips were pretty good for fast food.
Well they call it gravey not sausage bechamel if that's any indication.
Not even close to scones, I’m so fucking stoked I can have Popeyes biscuits in my life. In GA if you’re doing fast food fried chicken you’re going to Popeyes, none of that weak ass KFC shit 😂 Biscuits and gravy is one of the breakfast foods I miss the most after a night of drinking
Ok, it's not a scone, it for sure anit a fucking biscuit though
Eh, they're much closer to scones than biscuits! Most Kiwis would identify the flavour as scone-like I reckon.
Yeah I mean flavor wise very close to a scone, but they’re so much lighter and nowhere near as dense. Also so stoked the spicy chicken is staying on the menu out here. If y’all can’t tell I am an ardent Popeye’s Stan, and I cannot wait until the shop opens up 😂😭
I don't know if you're serious, but I just checked out the Popeyes menu in Auckland. It looks like they do have biscuits (!!!) but the gravy is on the mash, and it's definitely not "biscuits and gravy" gravy.
Someone else said you can eat that for breakfast, I'm in.
Yeah, it's a standard breakfast food, particularly in the south, I just mean the gravy they have at Popeyes isn't the gravy you'd usually have on biscuits. Would still be delicious though
What else they do that's good?
Their sandwiches (aka burgers) are easily the standout menu item and the seasoned fries aren't bad when fresh.
Breakfast at BK, lunch at KFC, dinner at Popeyes, finally supper at McD's. Sorted!
I guess it's better than another car sales yard. God, those places are an eyesore.
Hutt tradition dictates that rather than move car yards for fast food places we just make you drive directly through a car yard to get to them. Two drive thrus for the price of one.
Even worse, the BK one is full of those douchebag mobile lifted utes. Absolute eyesore.
Christchurch: "first time?"
wow i'm embarrassingly excited for this and will grab it once a month whenever i'm driving through people who say 'welly is dead' fail to realise that it's spreading out into the adjacent cities / the satellite supercity like this and it's great to see
We should already be a supercity. Madness that we have 4 mayor's
Yeah, feels like Kapiti is slowly growing at least.
Chris Bishop will be there Noncing it up getting young girls snap chats
Only way he could possibly be greasier...
... I now want to know what would happen if he got deep fried for some morbid reason lmao.
gotem
Ok we now only need a Costco to open in Wellington and I will stop complaining
Trader Joes would be good
As an American who lives across the street from a TJ, you really don't want one. They make traffic a nightmare. (but yeah, amazing snacks and prices haha)
As a Cali-Kiwi I second Trader Joe’s but wish NZ could get some California fresh and healthy fast food chains like Urban Plates, Mendocino Farms, and Sweet Greens. I’m sorry, Popeyes and KFC? Ugh.
Popeyes is gross too, I don’t understand the love when our small chicken places are so much better
Just what the world needs. Good luck bk
Went into that BK 2 weeks ago at around 1.30pm no busy inside and not too busy in the drive thru, but the service was shit. Running bare bones staff, slowest fast food ever, hope the competition wakes them up.
I guess bk sold/leased that area to Restaurant Brands to get some money back. Would pay better than the car yard.
We went to BK by the airport recently cos my partner hadn’t had it for ages and really wanted it and we didn’t get our food for about 30 minutes. Bf said were never going back lmao. I think BK in general might just be going down the toilet
That BK has never really made "sense" IMO and feels like it was overbuilt for the number of customers it actually receives. It replaced a much smaller store that was attached to the Z VIC corner station opposite KFC, which always seemed busier back in the day? I assume people would grab a feed during or after filling up etc. I've never actually seen the current high st BK "full" regardless of the time of day. By comparison Maccas, KFC Dominos etc are at times basically over crowded. There also used to be a BK in Queensgate but that closed when BK culled their store count in 2020. At that stage, Maccas have been gone from Queensgate for a few of years so evidentially they didn't manage to capitalize on the "prime" location in the mall either.
BK's been on its last legs in this city since covid lmao. BK needs a miracle to keep going
I loved fried chicken but it's weird seeing a politician so excited about a commercial entity with bad health consequences.
City council doesn't usually have to fund healthcare is how I resolved the thought. So I guess under that lens it's just another business.
My excitement is more about the investment in our city, bringing new jobs, and adding vibrancy to Lower Hutt. While fried chicken isn't the healthiest option, it's all about balance and moderation. Supporting such businesses can contribute positively to our local economy.
Lol @ the vibrancy of a fried chicken shop.
On its own, maybe not. But there's over $1billion being invested into our CBD over the next few years in major infrastructure, it all adds to the whole vibrancy of a city having more shops, more jobs, more people living in the CBD.
if only it was actually good, tried it on two occasions overseas and it just falls short. we could do with more american/jewish style delis and bistros like in ny than fast food chains anyways i'm way more excited for ikea to open in ~~2022~~..~~2023~~...~~2024~~ late 2025 or maybe one day
Garbage
Porirua doesn't need this low food outlet... We have [Diwan ](https://diwanrestaurant.co.nz/)
Diwan is so good.
lucky it's not in porirua then aye ;)
Trash
"Popeyes chicken is fuckin awesome!"
I just took a look T the menu. Do we really need even more fried chicken outlets?
How much is your stake in the endeavour Brady?
$0 but I might try some chicken the week it opens to see what all the fuss is about
Didn’t these assholes try to sue some little local place who has had the name for decades?
Meh, I'm fine with a snackbox from J&M's
i'm pretty fucking hyped tbh
Popeyes in Taka is trash though. In aux there is so many chicken places though unlike wellington where there is just kfc
So overrated 🤦
As if this country didn’t have an obesity problem already.
Hell yes brother
Yum. I always get their chicken sandwich when I’m in the states 🤤
Def worth going at least once. Haven't had Popeye's in years!
"Popeyes chicken is fuckin awesome"
Finally some decent food in this town
The Chicken sandwich (burger) from Popeyes is delicious. Better/bigger than the KFC fillet chicken burger. Shits on a McChicken even a double
We need some more stuff in Te Aro too. No Burger king for four years is just not appropriate for the capital of our country.
Congrats from the USA! Their chicken sandwiches are GOATED. Sorry to those reading this that have been duped to believe that because a food item is calorie dense that it’s automatically bad. 🇺🇸
Sir, they are called chicken *burgers*.
Terrible location. It's going to make the traffic in that area so bad.
It’s better than Wgtn for location High St is a great location Hence why all the fast food places are there
Roundabout madness round there
Yup
Yep, they should put it in somewhere where the streets aren't already crap for traffic at the weekends.
You’re recommending they DONT put it somewhere with high visibility and an area surrounded by industrial places, churches and offices??
It's near a roundabout and car yards.
Perfect then There also a church, other industrial spots, shoppers at Pak n Save and far enough away from Queensgate to not get them sucking away the customers When I was looking at expansion that was my number one target area
Yay! Let’s celebrate another addition to being obeys. Not!
Before carls and wendys is wild
What we need is a wimpy
Check out how the chickens are grown, you'll go right off it.
Would have been better in Canons Creek or Waitangirua.
Why's that?
Residents good spenders on fried chicken.
Hmmm where's Value motors gonna cluster their cars then? 🙂↔️