Newtown to get sixth chicken shop in 100m radius as KFC plans new King St store

Fast food giant KFC is set to become the sixth chicken shop to open its doors within a 100 metre radius in Newtown – but not all locals are loving the prospect.

Feathers are flying over plans for a KFC in the hipster capital of Newtown.

The fast food giant has been proposed opposite Newtown Hotel and would become the sixth chicken shop within a 100m radius on King St with local retailers warning the once diverse street is becoming “boring” and overloaded with chook takeaway shops.

The arrival of KFC has been met with resistance from locals as well as some nearby restaurateurs who have questioned the demand for another chicken shop in the precinct.

A photo of the site where KFC plans to open in Newtown.

The site is located three-doors down from Gami Chicken and within a 100m radius of El Jannah Chicken, Ogalo Newtown, Brewster Chicken and Clem’s – all of which all specialise in chicken.

“We don’t need anymore chicken shops around here because the fact is, within 100m, we’ve got about 3-4 shops already which are more local and not as a big brand such as KFC,” Gami managing director Adnan Khalid said.

“I’ve always believed in supporting locals … local shop, local brand. I think that’s what brings the community out, not some bigger brands coming in and destroying the smaller guy.”

Adnan Khalid, 49, managing director of Gami speaking about a new KFC opening. Picture: Tileah Dobson.

Gami is one of the existing restaurants specialising in chicken. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

Fabio Stefanelli, who runs Italian restaurant La Favola across the road from the proposed KFC store, said the area is becoming saturated with charcoal chicken.

“We need more diversity and variety – a mix of cuisines – but now when you walk down King St every second shop is a chicken shop,” he said.

“People want to come to Newtown because it’s supposed to be different and have variety but it’s become boring.

“I’ve been in Newtown for almost a decade and many chicken shops have opened and closed in that time – some last six months or less because of the competition.

Fabio Stefanelli of La Favola wants more diversity in Newtown’s culinary scene.

“I think the reason there are so many is because everyone loves fried chicken and also it’s cheap and easy for restaurants to produce.”

Newtown is not the Sydney suburb currently experiencing a chicken shop glut with suburbs such as Drummoyne and Crows Nest also known for their high density of charcoal chicken outlets.

Local Oscar Bartik, 17, said he did not support the opening of KFC.

“We’ve already got plenty of chicken shops around,” he said.

“I’ve noticed in recent years that local businesses are actually struggling and competing with these conglomerates. I feel like there’s a lot of local businesses that have shut down in recent years and a lot of empty shops. It’s concerning because it’s stripping away King St’s culture.”

Oscar Bartik, 17. Speaking about a new KFC opening up on King Street in Newtown despite having five other chicken shops within metres of each other. The was taken on July 8 2024. Picture: Tileah Dobson.

Arianna, 18 (right) and Alexis, 19 (left) said they support a KFC for another late night option. Picture: Tileah Dobson.

The planned KFC Newtown store would be located at a vacant shop previously occupied by the Kammadhenu restaurant, which specialised in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine.

The development would involve adapting the current building with new signage, kitchen areas, a self-serve kiosk and seating for up to 14 people.

Development plans stated the outlet would “activate a currently vacant premise” and “provide employment opportunities”.

The store will trade as late as 11pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 2am on Friday and Saturday.

“The activation of the currently vacant premises will contribute to the ongoing vibrancy, vitality and the economic and commercial longevity of the King Street local centre,” the plans stated.