What I Thought of It

KFC #1744
1440 52 St NE (see map)
Calgary AB  T2A 4T8
Phone: 403 273 3100

Lunch today was at Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Trans-Canada Mall, an easily accessible shopping area on the corner of Highway 1 and 52nd Street NE. This KFC already had a couple of customers when we got there around noon. It was not quite a lunch rush, but there was a small, steady stream of hungry folks.

Despite the absence of a heavy lunch crowd, things were moving at a snail’s pace. The staff were very slow taking orders, and I waited almost 5 minutes for my Classic Combo to arrive.

This KFC had an old-fashioned ambiance dominated by plastic swivel chairs and booths. The dated look could certainly use an overhaul.

The food was edible but not great. The chicken burger was piled with so much lettuce that, had I left it on, I couldn’t have tasted any chicken. The fries were saved by their seasoning, without which they might have been nothing more than cardboard sticks.

Last thoughts: I’ve noticed that KFC is doing poorly in the fast-food market, and I think it’s because they haven’t kept up with the times. The restaurants look old and dated, and the staff are lethargic. They don’t need to be running around - they just need to show some interest in their work. For me, KFC is and will remain a last resort.

Food +++
Service +++
Ambiance ++

Find KFC, 52nd street NE on the map.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, Bow Bottom
2-13750 Bow Bottom Trail SE (see map)
Calgary AB  T2J 6T5
Phone: 403 271 4707

A visit to KFC on a normal working day at lunch time gave me a bit of a surprise. I was the only customer in the store, even though the McDonald’s next door was closed for renovations.

The ordering went quickly, and the counter girl was also the one who prepared my food. In the process she forgot my drink, but I guess that was understandable if she was running the place by herself.

This KFC has a nicer ambiance than usual. It has an older look and lots of wood in the decor, which gives a warmer feeling than plastic furniture.

Of the food, I don’t have much to complain. It tasted good and was of course fresh because they made it especially for me.

I did notice one thing that didn’t make me happy. While I was eating my meal, the KFC staff went outside for a little break. When another customer came in, there was nobody around, and so the customer left without ordering.

Last thoughts: This KFC can be a nice, quick stop for lunch, especially for hungry shoppers, since it’s close to Deer Valley Mall.

Food +++
Service ++++
Ambiance ++++
Washrooms +++

Find KFC Bow Bottom on the map