Pros 
Cons A Hornsby Staple: The Good, The Bad, and the Sticky
The Chicken Shop, nestled on the Pacific Highway in Hornsby (address: 236 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia), presents a mixed bag of experiences for its patrons. With a 3.000000 rating, it’s clearly a familiar face in the community, with some customers shopping there for years. Calls can be made to +61 2 9482 1333. However, recent reviews reveal a crucial balancing act between excellent quality and concerning hygiene practices. The shop operates with a fairly consistent schedule, opening Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursday until 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They readily accept credit cards and offer options for planning a quick visit, catering to modern shopping behaviours. Yet, inconsistencies in posted hours and lapses in sanitation are raising eyebrows.
“Sure good to have understanding staff. Bought sample of chicken necks for mature cat. Good service. Thank you.” – A recurring theme amongst positive reviews is the friendly and helpful staff.
The Deliciousness Drives Loyalty – But Size Matters
The heart of The Chicken Shop’s appeal lies in its delicious produce. Many customers sing the praises of specific items, leading to repeat business. Here’s a breakdown of the popular items and corresponding sentiments gleaned from customer reviews:
- Chicken Rissole: Described as "absolutely amazing" – a definite standout and a strong reason for returning.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Receives high praise, indicating a well-seasoned and flavourful option for quick meals.
- Chicken (General): Regularly noted for being "fresh," a crucial factor for a butcher shop. Even the cord on blurs and garlic chicken receive specific mention for their freshness.
- Chicken Drummets: While generally deemed "ok", a significant complaint revolves around inconsistent sizing. Customers have observed "tiny" drummetts, impacting perceived value.
- Chicken Necks: A specific, appreciated product catering to the needs of pet owners.
| Product | Customer Sentiment |
|---|---|
| Chicken Rissole | Highly Praised |
| Stir Fry Chicken | Highly Praised |
| Chicken | Generally Fresh |
| Chicken Drummets | Adequate, Size Issues |
| Chicken Necks | Positive for Pets |
The wish for a minimum spend-free card payment option is also prominent amongst reviews, limiting accessibility for customers seeking smaller purchases.
Hygiene Concerns: A Critical Area for Improvement
The most concerning aspect of The Chicken Shop, according to several reviewers, is a lack of adequate hygiene practices. These complaints are serious and warrant immediate attention from management. Repeatedly, customers have expressed alarm regarding:
- Contaminated Packaging: One customer received a plastic carry bag that had "chicken meat on the handles." This highlights a potential cross-contamination risk.
- Sticky Currency: A particularly unsettling incident involved a $5 note “so sticky with chicken blood that it stuck to the employee’s hand.” This strongly suggests a lack of proper sanitisation procedures for cash handling.
- Lack of Hygiene Training: A customer directly stated a suspicion that workers "have no hygiene control training." Such a lack of training can impact food safety and confidence in the shop's practices.
These incidents, while potentially isolated, paint a worrying picture about adherence to basic food safety standards. It’s vital that The Chicken Shop invests in robust hygiene training programs for its staff and implements stricter protocols to prevent future contamination.
Operational Inconsistencies and Schedule Confusion
Beyond hygiene, The Chicken Shop faces some operational challenges. Several customers have noticed discrepancies between the hours listed on Google and the actual closing time. For example, a customer was told the shop closes at 5:00 PM on a Friday when the Google overview states 5:30 PM. This creates confusion and frustration for customers attempting to plan a visit.
- Incorrect Trading Hours: Inaccurate information posted online, leading to unexpected closures.
- Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between staff announcements and officially displayed hours.
- Need for Clarity: A streamlined communication system regarding opening hours is needed – ensuring Google listings, in-store signage, and staff briefings are all aligned.
Addressing these inconsistencies will improve customer experience and create a more reliable service for the Hornsby community.