A well-known chicken shop chain's ambitions to add outdoor seating at its newest Sydney location have been firmly grounded by local authorities following significant community pushback.
Council Rejects Al Fresco Proposal
Chargrill Charlie's proposal to place tables and chairs on the footpath outside its upcoming Redfern Street shop has been formally rejected by the City of Sydney Council. The plan, which sought to use 18 square metres of pavement space in the inner-south suburb's busy dining strip, was met with overwhelming opposition from residents and neighbouring businesses.
Of the 111 public submissions received by the council regarding the application, a mere two were in support. The vast majority raised serious concerns about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, litter, and unwanted pests, including ibises, rodents, and cockroaches.
Community Fears Over Noise, Smell, and Safety
Residents living in high-rise buildings above and near the proposed site voiced worries about noise pollution and the smell of cooking chicken fumes permeating their homes, creating what they described as an 'unappealing atmosphere' for the area. Pedestrian safety was another major issue, with council planners agreeing the setup would impede the safe movement of people and cause access problems for adjoining shops.
One local submission highlighted a specific danger, stating: 'Even with the best intentions, outdoor seating tends to increase street litter... discarded chicken bones are a genuine hazard for the many beautiful dogs of the neighbourhood.'
The concerns extended beyond the immediate environment. Ivey Wawn, co-owner of the adjacent Italian diner Fontana, reported that her business had already been negatively impacted before Chargrill Charlie's has even opened. '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,' she explained.
A History of Expansion and Controversy
This is not the first time a fast-food outlet has faced hurdles on Redfern Street. The site is just metres from a location where a proposed 24/7 McDonald's was knocked back by the same council in May of last year.
Chargrill Charlie's, founded in 1989 in Coogee by Maon and Saul Sher, has grown into a cult favourite across Sydney, boasting a celebrity clientele that has included Hugh Jackman and Oprah Winfrey. The chain, known for its 'simple food, done well' mantra, was acquired by Craveable Brands—the parent company of Oporto and Red Rooster—in 2024.
The Redfern outlet will be the chain's third within a 5km radius. Despite the setback for outdoor dining, the shopfront, which has been signposted for the last eight months, is still set to open. The company is currently advertising on Seek for expressions of interest to operate the 'Australia's most extraordinary chicken shop' franchise in Redfern.
The controversy also recalls a previous incident at the chain's Rose Bay store, where owners were forced to call pest controllers a year ago due to a pigeon and ibis infestation, sparking warnings to local dog owners.
