Jim and Luke Dimitriou and brother-in-law Zac Partlou are saying goodbye to Stirling Chickens

One of the most loved chicken stores in the Adelaide Hills is set to welcome a new era, with the men behind the scene saying goodbye to their beloved business after 30 years.

After 30 years, the owners of an iconic Adelaide Hills takeaway shop – as famous for its wacky menu spelling as its quality food – have bid the community farewell.

The renowned Stirling Chickens ownership trio of brothers Jim and Luke Dimitriou and brother-in-law Zac Partlou are saying goodbye to the popular store which had become much more than just a local chip shop, but a ‘hub for the community’.

The outgoing owners took to social media this week to say a final goodbye.

The renowned Stirling Chickens ownership trio of brothers Jim and Luke Dimitriou and brother-in-law Zac Partlou are saying goodbye to the popular store.

“We are filled with mixed emotions; on one hand, we are proud of what we have accomplished over the past thirty years in the takeaway business,” the post said.

“On the other hand, sad to be saying goodbye to such a wonderful community and staff that has supported our business for so long.”

The owners reflected on the three decade journey to become an Adelaide Hills institution.

“When we first started this journey 30 years ago, we never imagined the impact that our takeaway business would have on the community, we simply wanted to provide a convenient and delicious option for those who were looking for a quick meal on the go,” the post said.

“But as time went on, we began to realise that our takeaway business had become much more than just a place to grab a bite to eat.

“It had become a hub for the community, a place where people could come together, share stories, and enjoy a meal with friends and family.”

Jim Dimitriou told The Messenger the trio started in the Northern suburbs with another takeaway shop before relocating to Stirling 30 years ago and he could not have asked for a better place to run his business.

“It is like heaven, it’s a great place to work and a great community,” he said.

Mr Dimitriou said the business enjoyed strong support from the Adelaide Hills community and attributed the success to forming a strong relationship with customers.

And, a sense of humour.

Stirling Chickens shop owner Jim Dimitriou who uses misspelt words on blackboard menu as a marketing ploy. Picture: File.

Misspelt words on blackboard menu at Stirling Chickens shop owner Jim Dimitriou uses them as a marketing ploy. Picture: File

“Our menu board sign writer we put in spelling errors, puns and jokes and it caught the locals attention,” he said.

“And with our customers, we watched their kids grow and their kids coming to work with us … we would see customer’s newborns who would grow to work with us and then go off to uni and their own careers and it was nice to be part of it.”

While it is the end of the road for the original owners, business will continue for Stirling Chickens under new management; a husband and wife team.

Mr Dimitriou said there was one last week of handover and hoped the community would continue to support the popular business.