A popular chicken shop’s latest expansion plans have hit a snag after its proposal to set up outdoor dining sparked more than 100 community objections.
Chargrill Charlie’s will soon open in Sydney’s inner-city Redfern, with the new shopfront plastered with signage for the last eight months.
It will be the chain’s third store within a 5km radius.
But a planning application to erect tables and chairs outside the Redfern Street eatery in the heart of the suburb’s bustling dining strip has been rejected by City of Sydney Council.
Of the 111 public submissions received by the council, just two were in favour of the proposal to use 18sq metres of the footpath.
Locals and neighbouring restaurants feared that outdoor dining would result in a rise of anti-social behaviour, rubbish, and would attract unwanted pests such as ibises, rodents, and cockroaches.
Those living in high-rises above and near the store were also concerned about the potential noise and smell of ‘chicken fumes’ wafting into their homes and create ‘an unappealing atmosphere’ for passers-by.
Residents even had concerns about local pets.
The new Redfern restaurant sparked community backlash before it even opened
Popular chicken chain Chargrill Charlie’s will soon spread its wings to inner-city Redfern
‘Even with the best intentions, outdoor seating tends to increase street litter as patrons do not always dispose of rubbish properly, [and] discarded chicken bones are a genuine hazard for the many beautiful dogs of the neighbourhood,’ one local wrote.
Council planners agreed with the community, ruling that the proposal would impede the safe movement of pedestrians and lead to ‘access issues’ for adjoining businesses.
The store is just metres from a site that was earmarked for a 24/7 McDonald’s before the same council knocked back those plans last May.
The owners of adjoining Italian diner Fontana claim their trendy eatery has already felt the impacts before the new neighbours opened their doors.
‘I’ve already had customers saying to us “I thought you closed down” because the Chargrill Charlie’s signage has been put across all the windows below our restaurant,’ co-owner Ivey Wawn told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘The street is already cluttered with everyone having outdoor seating arrangements, and while footpath dining is great and brings liveliness to the area, it needs to be done in a way that respects the public environment and doesn’t block people from walking down the footpath.’
Others online questioned the store’s demographic fit for Redfern.
‘Well I guess it does fit in with the Chargrill Charlie’s line, but this isn’t exactly the yuppie part of Redfern,’ one posted on Reddit.
The popular chain has developed a cult following across Sydney. Pictured is the Rose Bay store
Another argued: ‘If this isn’t the yuppie part of Redfern what is? All the restaurants are in that area.’
Chargrill Charlie’s remained tight-lipped about the store’s opening date when contacted by Daily Mail.
‘While we’re disappointed by the City of Sydney Council’s decision, we remain incredibly excited about our upcoming opening and look forward to bringing the much loved Chargrill Charlie’s experience – and our delicious food – to both new and loyal customers in the Redfern community,’ a spokeswoman said.
The gourmet chicken shop chain is currently advertising for expressions of interest to operate the Redfern franchise for ‘Australia’s most extraordinary chicken shop’.
‘With strong transport links, constant visibility and a built-in audience that values quality, sustainability and real food, this is the perfect setting to make a Chargrill Charlie’s your own,’ the Seek ad states.
‘Join forces with a brand that has an established customer following, attracting both devoted fans and new patrons.’
The owners of Chargrill Charlie’s Rose Bay store were forced to call in pest controllers a year ago following reports of a pigeon and ibis infestation.
It sparked warnings on local community pages for dog owners to ensure their beloved pets didn’t accidentally eat any possible baited traps outside the store.
Redfern locals fear the new store will attract unwanted pests such as ibises (pictured inside the Rose Bay store in December 2024)
Chargrill Charlie’s opened in 1989 with one store in the Sydney beachside suburb of Coogee, which soon became a nationwide success with a huge celebrity following.
Previous diners have included Hugh Jackman, Justin Bieber, Nigella Lawson and Oprah Winfrey.
The popular fast food business, with the catchphrase ‘simple food, done well’, was founded by Maon and Saul Sher, offering homestyle meals to take away, including its signature chargrilled chicken and chips, as well as casseroles, roast potatoes and vegetables and salads.
Craveable Brands, which owns Oporto, Red Rooster and Chicken Treat, took over Chargrill Charlie’s in 2024.
Chargrill Charlie’s has dozens of stores across Sydney and opened its first Queensland store in New Farm late last year
At least two more Brisbane outlets will open their doors in 2026.
