Sam Armytage gets a craving for chicken, chips and gravy after interviewing an underdog who beat off giant KFC – as he reveals WHY an Aussie local shop chook tastes better
- Chicken Central, in Hawthorn, Melbourne, had a massive KFC billboard outside
- Manager Jim Hally said it showed big businesses pushing smaller ones around
- Locals shared their outrage and claimed it was unfair and potentially confusing
Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch began drooling while interviewing the owner of a family-run chicken shop who took on fast food giant KFC and won.
Customers were outraged when KFC erected a billboard on the side of Chicken Central, in Hawthorn, Melbourne, that read: ‘KFC. Only 800m away. Bucket. Why not?’
The store’s manager Jim Hally said it was a David and Goliath-type of battle, but he was not going to take it sitting down.
Chicken Central, in Hawthorn, Melbourne, has a massive billboard out the front of the store that reads: ‘KFC. Only 800m away. Bucket. Why not’
When the billboard first went up Mr Hally told Sunrise his business took a hit but customers soon came back in support.
‘Over the last few days, since Friday, we have seen a big reaction from our customers.
‘They walked through the door and through our social media outlets and just absolutely supported us. We are wrapped with all that.’
After widespread outrage, KFC caved and the billboard was removed.
It was replaced by a sign for soy candles on Monday.
Mr Hally said it showed that the ‘little guy’ doesn’t need to be pushed around.
During the interview hosts Ms Armytage and Mr Koch became excited at the idea of a chicken roll, despite the early hour.
‘It’s just turned nine o’clock and I’m desperate for a chicken and chips and gravy. And chicken salt,’ Ms Armytage said.
‘I’ll send you one down Sam,’ Mr Hally replied.
Mr Hally also revealed why the traditional Australian chicken shop often tasted better – using free-range chicken, avoiding frying the chicken, and using all natural herbs and spices.
KFC does not choose where their signs are placed, that responsibility lays with an advertising firm.
Chicken Central’s manager Michael Drake said it was a blatant example of big businesses pushing smaller ones around
Chicken Central’s manager Jim Hally (pictured) said it was a David and Goliath-type of battle, but he was not going to take it sitting down
Before Friday the billboard outside Chicken Central was an ad dedicated to the Clive Palmer United Party.
A KFC spokesperson told news.com.au the billboard was removed after Chicken Central raised their concerns.
‘The billboard is part of a broader, short term campaign being run in the area by one of our local franchisees who is excited to promote the opening of his new restaurant on Glenferrie Road, and is in no way intended to harm Chicken Central.
‘Since learning of Chicken Central’s concern, our franchisee has asked for the sign to be removed by the end of the week.’