Poultry in motion as restaurant chain signals new plans for Athlone

A worldwide restaurant chain known for chicken dishes could soon be winging its way to Athlone.

Dtrio Ltd, trading as Chicking, has submitted plans for a new restaurant in Golden Island Shopping Centre.

It wants approval to press ahead with a change the use of a ground floor retail unit named as Unit 36, which according to a recent posting on the Daft.ie website from JLL, who were offering the unit for lease, is located adjacent to Dealz, directly facing the surface car park.

Drawings lodged as part of the planning documents include the company's proposed signage for over the door and the external windows which reads “Chicking – it's my choice” in the firm's distinctive red colours.

The popular fast-food chain, which originated in Dubai, started with just one outlet back in 2000. It now boasts more than 180 stores in 23 different countries and employs more than 2,200 people. Its company profile explains that it was founded by A. K. Mansoor, who identified the need for a fully Halal compliant quick-serve restaurant brand and it has taken off from there.

Although relatively new to Ireland, Chicking already has a restaurant in Letterkenny in Donegal, with plans to open another in Belfast, according to its Facebook page.

Its Irish website says Chicking serves “a wonderfully varied menu of breaded and fried chicken dishes, wraps, sandwiches and Mexican style variants.” Chicking was “developed with great passion and love in Dubai,” it adds.

A letter from Jones Lang La Salle Ltd on behalf of the owners of Goldenisland Shopping Centre INT INV (I) GP Ltd consents as the landlord to the application being lodged by Dtrio Ltd (t/a Chicking) for the new restaurant in Unit 36.

External signage, ancillary site works and connection to existing site services also part of the project.

Westmeath County Council is due to announce a decision in relation to the latest eaterie proposal for Athlone town by May 23.