Canadian chicken chain checks in - but is it better than KFC?

A popular Canadian chicken chain, which fans and reviewers claim is ‘better than KFC’, has chosen Lisburn as venue for its first UK restaurant opening.

MB Chicken, the largest Canadian-owned quick-serve chicken restaurant (it operates in more than 230 locations), will open at Lisburn Leisure Park on Wednesday February 21 in a move which is creating 25 jobs.

And it says it plans to expand further across the north, and is currently eyeing locations in Belfast.

With its headquarters in Newfoundland, the chain is famed for the Big Mary chicken sandwich and tater poutine - a fun twist on a Canadian classic which involves lots of chips, cheese, and gravy.

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Mary Brown’s (MB) Chicken, which was voted Canada’s best fast-food chain, says the Lisburn opening is “an exciting international expansion which marks a significant milestone for the brand”.

Made fresh from scratch, MB Chicken’s locally-sourced signature chicken, hand cut taters and coleslaw are prepared by hand, in-store and made from premium quality ingredients.

Its menu includes the famous ‘Big Mary’ chicken sandwich, made with a succulent, hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, as well as crispy Chicken Tenders, bone-in Signature Chicken, the Spicy Big Mary, and its renowned Tater Poutine, which combines hand-cut, breaded and fried potatoes smothered in gravy and cheese.

MB Chicken chief executive Hadi Chahin said: “For over 54 years Canadian’s have made Mary Brown’s Chicken their first choice for fresh, hand-cut, hand breaded delicious fried chicken and Taters.

“So we are excited to introduce our legendary fried chicken to the wonderful people of Lisburn.

“What makes MB Chicken special is our delicious, handcrafted menu and genuine hospitality; we have been a beloved tradition in Canada for generations, and we can’t wait to share our passion for delicious, made-from-scratch quality food with our new friends in the UK.”

The opening will be led by Lisburn and Castlereagh mayor Andrew Gowan, and the first 250 customers will receive a free ‘Big Mary’ chicken sandwich. More details on the opening day can be found at https://fb.me/e/3xPqzU2ct