Crowds of hungry diners turned out for the opening of a new chicken restaurant and take away in York earlier today.

The fast-growing Pepe’s Piri Piri Chicken opened another outlet in Piccadilly at 11am, adding to around 200 nationwide.

The restaurant, based in the former Argos catalogue, served more than 100 happy diners within the first couple of hours of trading.

York franchisee Usman Cheema told the Press: The site is jam packed. It’s been an amazing response so far. People were queueing to get in.

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“We have had so many different people wanting to find their own thing. We are happy to give them suggestions but the best seller is chicken and rice, though people are also wanting out XL burgers.”

Pepe’s Piri Piri promises an extensive line-up including Pepe’s signature flame grilled wings, strips, burgers, a vegetarian collection and the store’s best-seller Chick’n’Rice box.

All of the Grilled menu options can be prepared with a choice of 6 flavours going from lemon and herb to Mild all the way up to Extreme.

(Image: pic supplied)

The menu is completed by a range of family platters, kids’ meals, sides and desserts.

Around 18 jobs have been created by the venue, which are filled by locals, including students.

Usman says he expects the restaurant to become a popular and tasty addition to York’s thriving casual dining and take-away scene.

For the first three days, an opening offer gives 20% off to take-away customers.

Already, customers are praising the new arrival.       

Sally Fawcett has awarded Pepe’s in York 5-stars for food, service and atmosphere, as well as overall.

Sally said on Google: “I don't even need to try the place yet to know that this place is amazing and I am so excited for it to have opened in York after pestering Pepes on Facebook for so long! For anyone who hasn't tried it yet, get yourself there.!

She added: “Good luck Team York for the grand opening today!”

York’s Pepe’s is the 201st in the Watford-based chain, which began in London in 2004.

The company has helped fuel the growing success of spicy piri piri chicken, which originated from Mozambique in East African and was brought to Europe by Portuguese explorers.

The nearest Pepe’s to York is currently at Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, but in Yorkshire there are also Pepe’s in Leeds, Batley, Doncaster, Bradford, Hull, Keighley, Huddersfield and Sheffield.

The company is also on the look-out for new franchisees.

York's other Piri Piri restaurants include Nandos both on High Ousegate and at the Vangarde Shopping Centre.

Rico's Peri Peri will also open a take-away shortly on Blossom Street. 

  • Further information about Pepe’s Piri Piri can be found at www.pepes.co.uk