KFC Dubbo restaurant: 24/7 trading hours proposed

Fans of the iconic KFC menu in western NSW are in for a treat, with the popular eatery proposing a major change to give people more access to the top chook.

The Colonel is taking a leaf out of the McDonald’s playbook with a plan to open the first 24-hour KFC restaurant in western NSW.

A development application has been lodged with Dubbo Regional Council to allow the restaurant on the Mitchell Highway in East Dubbo to open 24 hours a day seven days a week, but the change appears to come at the expense of dine in customers.

An artist impression of how the revamped KFC restaurant in East Dubbo could look. Picture: BD Architecture Interiors

According to a statement of environmental effects prepared by BD Architecutre Interiors, the new trading hours would be part of a planned $348,000 makeover of the East Dubbo restaurant which current opens 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The KFC currently has a very positive effect on the local community by providing an affordable and convenient dining option,” the statement says.

“Many of the current fast-food competitors in the area already have 24/7 trading hours and this proposed change in trading hours for the KFC Dubbo East is to ensure the operation can maintain a competitive business.”

How the KFC East Dubbo restaurant currently looks. Picture: BD Architecture Interiors

One part of the statement says there will be “no change to the number of employees of the store” if it’s allowed to open 24/7, however in another part of the statement there is a different message.

“Increased trading hours will mean additional employment and training opportunities for the local community who will have the opportunity to work within a high quality and modern environment,” the statement also says.

“Later trading hours will also add an additional late night early morning dining option for the neighbourhood.”

A second artist impression showing how the revamped KFC restaurant in East Dubbo could look. Picture: BD Architecture Interiors

As part of the proposed makeover of the site, plans submitted with the DA show an existing lounge area and 82 seats at the restaurant will be removed, potentially upsetting dine in customers.

The makeover will see extra drive thru lane and revamped signage introduced.

KFC declined a request to comment on the development application.