Chicken Central — Restaurant in Melbourne

Chicken Central in Ashburton needs to work on their customer service standards. A couple of weeks ago, we ordered takeaway chicken and chips, however we were very disappointed to get home and realise that the chips were so dry / burnt / stale that they were pretty much inedible. (Even my kids who love chips couldn't eat them!) I rang the store to let them know about it and they said that I could either go back for a replacement or have the meal replaced next time I was nearby. We couldn't head back that night, so I left my name with them for a replacement meal. The staff member who took my call was lacking in customer service skills and I would have appreciated an apology, considering our meal wasn't enjoyed as chicken and chips (we just ate the chicken on its own). Today I went back to the store and unfortunately the staff member I spoke to also had poor customer service skills. She asked me to explain the problem again (I don't see why I needed to explain it again considering my name was already on a list for replacement meals they keep). She then proceeded to tell me that they would only replace the chips (seeing there was nothing wrong with the chicken). I disagreed with this decision as the meal was "chicken and chips" and we hadn't enjoyed our meal because half of it was inedible. I believe that if a store has made a mistake (serving inedible chips) then they should do something to compensate the customer for the mistake. Replacing the chips that weren't edible is not compensation - it's just a replacement. Good customer service would be replacing the chicken and chips to compensate for the disappointing meal and to try and regain the customer's trust. Unfortunately, all I received was the replacement chips, plus some attitude and eye rolling from the service assistant. It was very strange - she kept trying to wrap up the conversation by saying "so are you happy with the chips". I clearly and calmly told her that I was "not happy", however I would still take the chips and she made no attempt the resolve the matter. There was no apology for the bad chips or the misunderstanding. It was very clear to me that they didn't care whether I remained a customer or not. I will not be a customer in future because of this poorly handled incident. We were actually regular customers for many years and I feel for the Manager who can't always be at the shop to supervise his staff and their service standards. However, staff need to be trained in customer service and learn how to resolve complaints appropriately. Even if they are not allowed to replace the chicken portion of the meal - they still could have thought of something else to do or say to compensate - perhaps an apology or a free drink for my child or a coupon of some kind for next time. Anyway, they have lost our family as a customer based on their decision...

I ordered the Cheezee Chicken Wrap. In a meal with chips and coke.

The Wrap: Sorry guys from Chicken Central, this wrap was very bad. The chicken portion was minimal, and the wrap looks like burrito for babies. The taste of the chicken was nice, good job. However, the quantity of sauce makes all the wrap like full of mayo. Maybe there are people who loves that. I am more balanced person. As well, the price of the wrap it was too much for that amount of chicken. Sorry, this wrap 2 of 10.

The chips: This is a roast chicken place, usually the chips are insanely huge. I can't say that it was as bad as the wrap. But chips are chips, you need to be very bad to do it wrong. The chips 5 of 10.

The service: the staff was nice, looks tired bud that is part of the job. Thanks for assisting me. It was ok. 6 of 10.

In summary: based on my experience, unfortunately I am not going to return. The taste of the chicken was ok but it is just too expensive for what you get.

This is based on my experience and my taste, maybe you would love it. The best way to know if you like it or not. Is visiting it. Go and leave me a comment if...

One night I was perusing out local delivery places and noticed Chicken Central among the bunch. My oh my am I glad that I did. They are now firmly among my favourite places to get some amazing take away delicious chicken!!

I am a massive fan of their BFF Burger, and their presidential fries are decadent as. The buns they use for their burgers in particular are to die for, and leave me craving to go back after every instance getting food from them.

If you're in the area and in the mood for consistently amazing food and service, check out Chicken Central! I know I'll be going back...