Fried chicken lovers in Coquitlam's growing neighbourhood of Burquitlam will soon have another option for fast food dining.
Hi Five Chicken, a B.C.-based franchise, has announced via a sign that it will open a 24-hour restaurant at 565 Clarke Rd., in Coquitlam, opposite the Burquitlam SkyTrain Station.
It will go head to head with KFC, which is located just up the road at 602 Clarke Rd., and Church's Chicken down the road at 555 North Rd, which like Hi Five, offers chicken all-day and all-night at its 24-hour location.
That's three fried chicken joints within a few blocks on one of Coquitlam's busiest streets.
Meanwhile, there is Ajuker Chicken, a Korean fried chicken offering, just a few blocks further south at 4327 North Rd, Burnaby.
The Hi Five Chicken menu includes a range of fried and baked chicken options, including tenders and sandwiches, and servings can be fried or roasted, spicy or sweet and smokey.
Canadians love fried chicken
Canadians' growing love affair with chicken has not slowed and that is becoming increasing obvious in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector.
According to Food in Canada, as much as 75 lbs of chicken is eaten per capita each year in this country.
While KFC and Church's have long dominated the Lower Mainland fried chicken market, relative newcomers such as Popeye's Louisana Kitchen, which is opening a restaurant in Coquitlam after opening in PoCo, Mary Brown's Chicken, also in PoCo and Port Moody, and Hi Five are relative newcomers.
According to its website, Hi Five Chicken started in 2016.
"From its first location in Vancouver to now having four stores in and around the city, the company has come a long way and continues to grow," the website states.
Real estate demands high exposure
The new location next to Pizza Factory is in the growing area of Burquitlam, where a number of towers and six storey condos and rental buildings are under construction.
Formerly the location of Star Karaoke, the shop is currently being renovated for Hi Five Chicken.
Hi Five is looking for franchisees and is not shy about specifying what it needs for a successful restaurant.
When looking for a real estate location, Hi Five seeks places along busy corridors that can support a 24-hour business.
