SFC Seoul Fried Chicken Downtown — Restaurant in Edmonton

WARNING FOR THOSE WITH GLUTEN ALLERGY. An extremely disappointing and frustrating experience at the downtown location. Miscommunication with kitchen resulting in the restaurant not being able to provide a gluten-free order made one day in advance. Conflicting statements about ingredients for those suffering with allergies between multiple workers. Forgotten drinks in the order. Pick-up order 20 mins late.

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I heard great things about the Whyte location and their gluten-free fried chicken (Celiac-safe), so when my co-workers wanted to get fried chicken for lunch, I called the downtown location to see if they could offer the same. I inquired about their process – they prepare a gluten-free breading and sauce a day in advance, clean their work area, and have a dedicated fryer. Sounded great and I was very excited. I ordered 4pc chicken (SFC BBQ) with kimchi. I originally wanted a side of the sesame carrot slaw, but the worker’s hesitation about the ingredients being safe for Celiacs discouraged me from ordering it. I placed this business-lunch order one day in advance for 12:10 pm pick-up as per their instructions.

The next day, I collected my co-workers' orders and tried to place an online order for the same pick-up time. Unsuccessful with the multiple attempts of ordering online, I called them at 10:38 am – thankfully someone was there to take my order (they open at 11:30 am). I was informed that the online order form doesn’t take orders scheduled before the restaurant is open. Anyways, I placed my co-workers' orders and indicated that it would be picked up along with the gluten-free chicken order I placed yesterday. All was confirmed, they even called backed shortly after to confirm once again.

I arrived at the restaurant at 12:10 pm. I’ve never been to this restaurant before, I thought it was very spacious, clean, and inviting. They have a screen at the counter which showed our orders and the status – neat! I spoke with the lady at the counter and she informed there was something wrong with the gluten-free order. She left to go speak with who I assume was the manager and there was lots of whispering back and forth. After some time, the lady came back to apologize (very apologetic) that the order could not be provided because there was a miscommunication with the kitchen.

I was absolutely saddened as this had just come after a string of five unsuccessful attempts at trying to eat lunch downtown – I had been food poisoned, had gluten in my food, nuts in my food (nut allergy), etc.. I don’t think I have ever been able to eat lunch at the same time as my co-workers, every time the re-make was boxed to-go. Woe is me, right. That’s why I usually bring some snacks. The manager said they could do gluten-free fries and slaw for free. I declined. I informed them that I didn’t want to chance the slaw because the person who took my order over the phone hesitated on the ingredients. I was assured it was gluten-free. I was told they could give me a credit for 2pc chicken, I declined because I didn’t believe I’d return. I ended up getting the slaw and kimchi to give away, just to stop them from offering. The rest of the order was finally ready after 20 mins. We were in such a rush to get back to work because we had a meeting at 1 pm, that I didn’t even think about the drinks in the order. While walking back to work, I saw the drinks listed on the chit. I called the restaurant and informed them of the missing drinks, I was told the drinks were in their refrigerated section and I was supposed to grab them on my own. I had expected them to be with the order or for someone to tell me to grab them (my bad). The manager again offered a credit for the 2pc chicken, I took the offer to be polite, but I will not return.

I understand that mistakes can happen and the restaurant made an effort to make it right; however, instead of offering a free meal, I’d much rather have the manger tell me that they plan on improving their process to prevent issues like this in the future. How can I be confident to dine here again...

If you were to ask the question, what's the best fried chicken in the city (Edmonton), a majority of Edmontonians would point their snow covered fingers to SFC. Thus you could imagine my joy, as a downtown resident, when I heard of an SFC opening just a few minutes away from my home. I finally got time to check it out, and needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. One thing many SFC veterans can agree on is the lack of spacing in their Old Strathcona location. This is not a problem anymore, as an expensive seating area gives way to a lengthy ordering/wait area. The murals on the walls are magnificent, but I may be biased as I have a certain affinity to the light blue. Atmosphere wise, SFC ticks all the boxes for a cool munchies spot. Now to the food. Granted I have only indulged in one item, their classic Garlic Soy Chicken, but I was thoroughly satisfied. The word of the day is PORTIONS! For a mere $13.50, I picked up a 5 pc chicken set with a side of fries, salad and a pop. Now you must remember, I was suffering the pangs of hunger that accompany a half smoked joint, so I fully expected to demolish the food that was in front of me. The size of the chicken and the weight of the fries had other ideas, as I could barely finish 3 pieces before I got full, and ended up saving the rest for next days lunch. One blemish I would put on this painting of excellence that is SFC downtown, is that perhaps the chicken was not as Garlic-Soyey (yes I just invented a word there) as the same in the old strathcona location, but nothing to lose your mittens about... It is still good F'n chicken!! So, I, conclude by saying, DT residents are in for a valuable treat, a value for money treat, and a visually titillating dining experience. I can already see the Instagram stories every two weeks of the giant samurai tiger...

For $16.25 I had 5 pieces of delicious fried chicken + 1 drink (water) + 1 side (Kimchi). Great tasting fried chicken. I really liked the Cilantro sauce on the side to dip/pour and the real cilantro on top. Fries were also good and Kimchi was on point. (FOOD: 5/5 Stars). / SERVICE: Lack of organization at the counter, pick-up drivers all over the place. A young girl with no welcome skills at the counter. No welcome, No Hi, No small talk. (1/5 Stars) I ordered at the front counter and picked-up there too and was automatically given the option at the POS to TIP 15%, 18%, 20% or more. Really? (1/5 Stars) The owner doesn't think their employees are worth more money? Shall I have to help give the employees a better wage? (1/5 Stars) I waited for some 10min which is fast (5/5 Stars). At the pick-up, my "new" name was "LYDL". Then the girl called my "new" name as "LION". lol (0/5 Stars). Some young workers don't seem to care to properly ask for their customer names? If I knew her name I would have said wrongly on purpose to put herself in my shoes? I don't do that but oh well. SPACE: 3/5 Stars: Nice painting on walls and pillars, nice seating and ample. Not noisy inside. Garbage bins were overflown inside. Bathroom was tidy. And a lack line/organization for pick-up drivers. Conclusions: Great and affordable food for 104 Street Downtown. Low quality Customer Service in my experience on Saturday afternoon. Demanding tips upfront when customers have to order and pick-up at the counter? No servers, right? So I shall tip minimum 15%? Only if my name wasn't written and called wrong twice and the counter girl was pleasant and had remembered to give me cutlery at the end but none. I still tipped them...