Empire Chicken Riverside Market — Restaurant in Christchurch

I was craving chicken, so we decided to give Empire a go. We will definitely be returning! The spiced maple syrup chicken combo was a new one to me, but it was fantastic. The spices of the chicken and the sauce worked really well together. I didn't feel it did anything for the potato chunks/chips, which were crispy and delicious as they were. I can see the gravy option working well for these though. The coleslaw was fantastic. The dressing was just the right mix of sweetness and spice, and there was a good textural balance. The cheese burger was excellent. I find a lot of burgers these days are just a mix of stuff ou can't really taste because of an overpowering bbq sauce, but this burger was moist (which is rare in a chicken burger. Well done) and the flavours were balanced and complimentary. Price wise, I considered our meals excellent value. The combos are prerty compared or only a little more expensive than KFC or McDs, but everything about them is far better quality and much more satisfying (I started to doubt my ability to finish my meal about half way through, and definitely feel like I'm done for the day). This is especially so if you choose to get the cider or beer option as your drink. The staff were friendly with excellent customer service. The man serving was knowledgeable and able to make good recommendations. My only criticisms would be about the seating in store. The tables had hard bench seating with padding only on the backs, and not a lot of space between them. The store is small, so it us understandable, and being part of a larger food court complex, so at any other time of day it wouldn't matter. Accessibility: Wheelchair and walker accessibility is reasonable. Other than the narrow seating spaces, which would limit Wheelchair users to certain tables or the outside/food court seating, the entryway are adequately large (although the door in from Riverside might be hard to navigate on a busy day) with no steps and only a small rampy bit from the street side. The Disabled toilet (with baby change table) is at that end of the building near the Lichfield st entrance and lift, so easily accessed by 2 different routes (I'd go via the street, simply to avoid the crowded areas and bottle necks that tend to happen inside). Standard toilets (unisex) are a little further away, half way along the opposite wall of the Riverside building. The atmosphere might be a bit loud for some people, especially when Riverside Market is open. Parking: There's heaps of paid parking nearby, with Central Park amd the Lichfield Street Building immediately behind Riverside and West End building just over the river. Mobility parking is available in all of these paid lots (i recommend Lichfield St Building for the combination of ease and price), but there are also 5 free Mobility parks close by on Lichfield and Oxford (2 on the street opposite ballantynes, 2 off street beside the justice building, and 1 across Durham Street opposite St Michaels church). This area is probably the best served in the city when it comes to...

Just to wanted to share something which can help you to save a lot of customers went for a pickup for the delivery. The teenage girl standing in the front counter said do you have a delivery bag can you bring it firstly she should use the term please no matter it’s the customer or the driver or any other person. Second thing arrogant nature can sometimes spoil the relationship of the business. Not complaining but told her to write this things on the business notes so that driver will always bring the bag. Picked more than 200 times from your store never ever asked for the bag in the past. She said it’s the policy but policy also states that the food should be in warmer temperature not left on the front counter to get cold and waiting for the driver for pick up. Please update business notes - for betterment. I ran 2 food businesses un city too so I totally understand this things well. But keeping things in mind please update it on business notes on the delivery portal tablets. Told her to inform the owner / manager to update it she said she will do but don’t think so she will do it to keep her safe. Giving you 5 stars still because I value rhe hardwork of the owners to established business:) cheers and wish you good luck for...

The lack of chicken inside the hefty amount of batter which also seems to lack the seasoning it used to have in the tenders is really disappointing, the airing out of a customer who was disappointed because the shop was open late on their Instagram page is really petty and quite a weak move instead the person should’ve been offered some sort of discount to encourage coming back instead of pointing him out as some sort of problem. Empire chicken your whole game is turning weak and your posts have become very passive aggressive towards your customers, basically saying they owe you more credit and support for beginning to lack what you used to be.

Monster chicken or even your local fish&chip shop maybe even the hot meals that Salvation Army supply in the square will have better service and not blast you publicly if you have a complaint

Yours...