Since the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in 1952, KFC has grown to 25,000 outlets in 147 countries and territories, with the new store at 1 Darcy Drive, Idalia, becoming the restaurant chain’s ninth in Townsville.
After throwing open the doors at 10am on Friday, KFC Fairfield general manager Merenia Stockley said the team was delighted to welcome local fans.
“We’re thrilled to welcome 50 new team members into the KFC family, providing a significant number of jobs to the local area,” Ms Stockley said.
“We’re passionate about building a strong and confident team to ensure we provide both the best customer service possible and quality Kentucky Fried Chicken to the people of Fairfield.
“Our culture fosters the growth and development of our people by providing opportunities that help them gain lifelong skills, confidence and friends.”
She looked forward to seeing their new team members reach their potential.
Ms Merenia first started working for KFC in Western Australia in 2015.
She has been a manager since late 2019, working as an assistant manager at KFC Garbutt, before taking over as restaurant manager at KFC Hermit Park earlier this year.
Ben Griffin, CEO of Geon Property, Fairfield & Co’s developer, welcomed KFC as the first food retailer to the growing lifestyle destination.
“KFC at Fairfield & Co will feature a new, modern ‘large box’ KFC design with provision for dual drive-through lanes to service the local area and surrounding suburbs,” Mr Griffin said.
“Fairfield & Co has an incredible mix of health, experiential and lifestyle tenants, so it is really exciting to add our first food retailer to the site, offering customers a complete destination to shop, live, play and meet.”
Mr Griffin confirmed KFC signed a 10-year lease, with an option to renew, to secure the prominent corner of Darcy Drive and Lakeside Drive at the entrance to Fairfield & Co, in Stage 5 of the precinct.
“Stage 5 will include KFC, another drive-thru operator together with ancillary takeaway food offerings and the AEIOU Centre, as well as provision for 161 car parks,” Mr Griffin said.
The balance of Stage 5 at Fairfield & Co will be delivered in multiple stages over the coming 12 to 18 months.
KFC Fairfield will trade between 10am-10pm Monday-Sunday (except on Christmas Day).
