The Colonel may have departed from southwest Coquitlam, but there's a new chicken honcho in town.
Hi Five Chicken has just opened up a 24-hour restaurant at 565 Clarke Rd. in Coquitlam, opposite the Burquitlam SkyTrain Station.
And you can't miss it — there's a giant inflatable chicken outside the restaurant welcoming customers to the surprisingly large eatery next door to Pizza Factory.
There are booths for dining in, a big kitchen and smiling staff ready to take your order.
Manager Simansu Prusty, who has worked in hospitality all around the world, including hotels in Dubai and the U.K., said the "chicken dude" is bringing in customers since the eatery opened last Tuesday (July 11).
Business has been pretty steady said Prusty, who also manages the Hi Five Chicken restaurant in Maple Ridge.
He said people like the variety of food offered, including the roast chicken, and sides that include gluten free options.
Hi Five's opening is just in time for some customers who miss the KFC, which recently closed down at Clarke Road and Como Lake Avenue.
Valerie Haug, midnight baker at the North Road Save-On-Foods store, said she used to get KFC and was surprised to find it closed down.
But she said she will recommend Hi Five when her fellow employees order something for a special celebration.
"I'll be back," Haug promised.
The KFC shuttered after 50 years to make way for Intergulf's Burquitlam Park District (a sales centre for the four-tower development is just about to open further south on North Road).
Meanwhile, at Hi Five Chicken, foodies can get their fill, including fried and roast chicken, as well as wings and tenders, and combos.
Hi Five even offers biscuits similar to those enjoyed ar KFC, although the ones offered at Hi Five are maple chive flavoured.
There is also potato salad and corn, onion rings and mac and cheese.
The fried chicken is tender and crisp while the roast chicken has a mild smokey flavour, which goes perfectly with the signature dipping sauce.
Prusty said he is enjoying his new gig in Coquitlam and is happy to have immigrated to B.C., where he is hoping to work his way up in the hospitality business in which he has worked for 25 years.
"I waited a long time to have an opportunity in B.C.," Prusty told the Tri-City News.
The owner of the new Hi Five Chicken is Ripu Saini and the opening special is a three-piece chicken, fries and drink for $9.99 available for lunch.
Formerly the location of Star Karaoke, the shop underwent a major renovation 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.
Are you about to open a new restaurant in the Tri-Cities? If so, email the details to [email protected].
