Bowen KFC and 24-hour Metro Petroleum service station to open in 2022

After years of community campaigning and lengthy negotiations, developers have finally convinced a world-famous fast food franchise to set up shop in Bowen.

There have been petitions, letters, and rumours circulating for years and now Bowen’s fast food dreams are set to become a reality with the opening of a brand new KFC store this winter.

After months of negotiations, Brisbane Prestige Property Developments confirmed on Wednesday restaurant companies Collins Foods and Yum! Brands had both granted the necessary approvals to launch the world-famous fried-chicken franchise on the corner of Leichhardt Street and Livingstone Street.

BPPD managing director John Samios said construction of the restaurant, incorporating drive-through, dine-in and takeaway options, was expected to be completed by July 2022.

Mr Samios previously stated the restaurant would operate 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.

He said today his company was thrilled to have “finally got it [the proposal] through”, with Collins and Yum! recognising that “there is a need in the area”.

Developers have won approval to open a new KFC restaurant on Leichhardt Street, Bowen this year. Picture: Supplied

The green-light from Collins Foods and Yum! Brands follows Whitsunday Regional Council’s approval of a development application for a 24-hour service station incorporating a drive-through restaurant at the Leichhardt St site.

With Metro Petroleum confirmed to operate the fuel side of the business, KFC was identified as the preferred restaurant brand however was yet to officially seal the deal until today.

Demolition of the existing vacant building at the Leichhardt Street site commenced this week.