Church's Chicken — Restaurant in Burnaby

Updated review from 2024:

Unfortunately this location of Church’s is no longer what it used to be. My feelings for the one star downgrade from the initial 5 stars was cemented from my past visit this weekend.

First off, the chicken pieces have become smaller, as you can see from pictures below from 3 years ago, even 12 pieces were hard to fit inside one box, now you can fit 16 pieces in one box and there’s still room.

Also they’ve increased their price from the initial $50 for a 16 piece family meal, to now $70 for the same meal. I don’t mind the price increase, but combined with the smaller portion, it’s inflation plus shrinklation. Which is unacceptable.

Next off, the quality of the food. There were burnt pieces on the chicken, as well as some soggy parts. I truly don’t understand how that’s possible. The fries were lukewarm at best and becomes cold by the time you get home (a 10 minute drive for us). There were also burnt bits on many fries, as well as overcooked dried up fries mixed in.

The service was fine though, we got our order and was served pretty promptly. But they now charge $0.25 for a paper bag even though this location is in Burnaby and not in Vancouver. I understand restaurants that charge the fee because of the by law from the city of Vancouver, but I’ve also noticed other restaurants that are outside of Vancouver copying the same thing. To me, that’s just plain greed for charging what used to be the cost of business. Much like the box, or the napkins or the straws. You don’t start nickel and dimming your customers, it’s just bad business practice and shows me profit is your main objective and the customer experience is not important.

Needless to say, I won’t be visiting this location of church’s anymore, which is a true pity.

Original review from 2021:

My favourite fried chicken chain restaurant will have to go to Church’s. This location is always busy, and they’re open 24-7.

Service is always speedy here, even though they don’t have that many staff behind the counter. I always go for their family combos and enjoy having left overs for lunches the next day.

Church’s big pieces of chicken and gives you thighs by default. Their chicken is always crispy on the outside and very juicy on the inside. I think their key is brining. Unlike KFC some pieces are tiny and the crust is soggy by the time you get home. KFC also uses lots of MSG in their seasoning which makes you super thirsty afterwards.

Their sides are decent, but I don’t like their biscuits. It’s usually dry and hard. Otherwise their potato salad and macaroni salad is on point. The fries can be a hit and miss at times. Depends when they came out the fryer. Sometimes I pop them into the toaster over for awhile when I get home if they get cold and soggy on the way back.

I’ve been to this location many times now, and I can’t recall a bad experience so far. From time to time they also do special promotions out on their...

New management and staff. Wow been back here twice since the change. I thought it was an off day. No! They're just slow and very bad customer service. My bombers, the timer was going off over a minute before the tended to them. So overcooked! And it's not like they were busy. There were 2 customers waiting for their order only and 3 staff members that I could see. It's gone very downhill. Very unfortunate... it's my local church's. I'm hesitant to go... but if I do. I now know the risks... it's been bad the last 2 times. Both times chicken was not fresh. Not burning hot. Almost needing to be reheated temperature. I dunno if it'll ever have the standard quality as it once did.

Sunday may 24' update... it's not any better. Lol there was 5 staff members and no line. They all looked at me like who is going to take my order. After about 30 seconds - someone helped me! Ordered 16 wings at 4:15 exited the store at 4:35. It's a shame. I used to be very frequent- ill come back when I need my fix. But like I said I know the risks! It won't be as frequent as before. Mb every 3-6 months kinda deal now. OK so fresh wings is a plus... but I ordered spicy and got original. Fail. The risks are there and I know of them- I will go there now setup for disappointment- you have too! Or you'll just end up angry.

Update may 25'...Still disappointing. Please go there with low expectations. Don't get angry. Just expect the worst. If it turns out any better. Than that's just a bonus :)

Update. Sept 25' Has turned it around! Thank you. I will be coming more often again - was hesitant and couldn't risk it. But I took a risk. A couple actually. Consistent quick service and hot food, fresh golden poppers again!

Big big about out to jaspreet. She has excellent customer service. I waited for my bombers n she served 4 guests while I sitting there. Even saying welcome to church's chicken with a smile, 4th guest wanted the 2pc combo which is the same deal as the 3pc special, she explained to him nicely to make sure he gets the most value out of his money as it is the same price. Great job...

Update July 26/2024: still needs improvement

Ordered their special, 3 pc with fries and drink for $11.99 ×4 of them

Waited 25 mins. There were more workers than chicken in the bin. No communication. Slow Received my order and instead of 4 boxes of meals I got one big box of chicken and 3 fries. My goodness, It was like pulling teeth to get that fourth package of fries... the worker who handed me the fries looked in the fries bag and was terribly confused and kept saying they are all there when visibly you can see there was only 3 small fries. She turned to her maybe supervisor and asked for one more, but like she was in fear she would get in trouble for it. Six workers in the front and looked like one mam breading and frying the chicken. No wonder it was such a long wait.

Fries that weren't even cooked all the way is the worst!

Won't be back. I'd drive the extra 10 mins to go to slogan and Kingsway.

Service at this particular location has always been terrible. They try hard. This last time was a couple days ago. The young gentleman who helped me was great. Efficient and friendly. It was everyone else around that were staring. We are a multicultural family and their looks we're very obvious. I paid my $50 for my chicken family combo and was on my way out. The ladies were screaming at each other in English and another language asking where the receipt was from the previous sale. The young gentleman told them I paid. I was almost out the door when I was screamed at from the counter " ma'am... Ma'am!". I turned around and said "I paid". The young gentleman vouched and I walked out. Odd transaction and I will be going to the Slocan/Kinngsway location from now on. Food wise... It's always tasty! The chicken tenders I got for my kid was pretty gross. All kids love chicken tenders but even he couldn't eat these pale...