Church's Texas Chicken — Restaurant in St. Catharines

This was a very frustrating experience. I went in shortly after 5pm. There were only two people working - one out front and one cooking. Several people were waiting for their orders. It took about 10 minutes to take my order, even though I was first in line. I ordered the 8 piece combo. I asked for all white meat (normally it’s 4 dark + 4 white). I was told there would be an additional charge for white meat. I said that was fine. The four dark pieces were upgraded to a rib for $1.79 each + tax. So I paid about $8 extra for all white meat, which was about 50% more than what I’m charged for a white meat surcharge on a comparable order by their competitor across the street.

After a lengthy wait, I was given my order. When I got home there were four pieces of white meat, three thighs, and a wing that had no drummy - it was just the wing tip. I drove back to the restaurant about 15-20 minutes later and the restaurant was full of people waiting. In fact, the woman who ordered after me was still there. I went directly to the counter rather than stand in line again. I told the employee about the issue and returned the three thighs and wing tip to her. She returned with only three pieces, two of which were thighs again. I told her that I was missing four pieces, not three, and that there was only one piece of white meat in this new box. She came back with another box of three - this one had two pieces of white meat and another thigh. I told her it included another thigh. She told me thighs are white meat. I had to peel the skin back to show her the difference. She then brought back another piece that was white meat and had me check. Once I confirmed it was, I managed to make up a box of four white meat pieces and left the rest behind. In all, they had to throw out 6 pieces of chicken.

I felt bad for the server. She seemed overwhelmed and lacked knowledge about the products. The restaurant was terribly understaffed for a dinner hour and staff don’t seem adequately trained. So my first impression of this place is that the food is decent but it is poorly managed. I don’t think I’ll be...

Disclaimer, this is only based off of 2 visits. This might change in the future.

First visit here was exceptional. Service was fast and easy, food came out in a timely manner and food tasted really good. First great visit!

Second visit was mixed. The one cashier was courteous and friendly and let us all know about wait times for our food. The problem came from the lady packing everyone's food.

The lady in front of me got her food, left and then came back not 5 minutes later saying she never got a single biscuit out the 8 she was supposed to get. The lady after me got her food before me and she double checks her order to make sure everything is good. Sure enough she was missing her chicken tenders and the extra biscuit she ordered. She then turns to me and tells me to make sure I check my food and I do. I ordered an 8 piece and was supposed to get 4 biscuits so I turn to the lady and I say, "There's supposed to be 4 biscuits in here." She then tells me, "Yeah, there are 4 in there." I open the bag in her face and tell her there are only three..

3 orders in a row screwed up is not...

It’s gonna be a 3 star review. I heard some buzz on this place being new to the area and also remembered that line on the first Kendrick album about it (lol). I got some tenders combos and an 8 piece chicken.

The good: the chicken pieces are absolutely enormous which is awesome. They be raising some mutant chickens apparently. Tenders were pretty tasty. Pricing is decent for the value all things considered.

The bad: my family wasn’t thrilled with the breading style and the way it looked. It looks sort of like Panko. I just found the taste lacking tbh. A bit bland. I was expecting to be blown away but it came up short. Hate to say it but I’ll stick with Popeyes likely.

Only other comment is that we had to wait around 15 mins for chicken to be fried up. I think Sunday dinner time they should be anticipating customers and being busy. Have some chicken ready fam.

Forgot to take pics this time. Service was good. Friendly staff and nice woman...