After saying good-bye to KFC more than 10 months ago, Lenny Burger is set to open its doors to the public.
The takeout counter is expected to open by August, with the dining and bar area to open in the fall.
Previous plans would’ve had the establishment open in December of last year, but the opening was delayed by financial challenges.
“We hit a snag with funding and obviously you can’t do anything without money,” said Matthew Jason, the owner of Lenny Burger.
Jason says much of the re-construction has been finished indoors, with the takeout side already finished.
“The bar and restaurant side is nearly complete,” Jason said. “Pretty soon we’re going to bring people in for taste testing.”
The KFC building was so old, Jason says, that he needed to replace things like the electrical wiring in addition to the look and feel.
A patio is also planned for the front parking lot area.
Jason and his sister shut down the former KFC after it operated for 50 years. They felt KFC was heading in a direction they could not support.
For Yellowknifers who long for the fried chicken of Kentucky, don’t worry. Lenny Burger is preparing a recipe of its own.
“We’re still doing chicken. We actually found a new supplier for our breading – ironically from Kentucky,” Jason said. “Everyone that’s tried it has been over the moon about it.”
The restaurant will also feature other items, such as burgers and poutine, as well as some other specialties.
“We’re going to have some rabbit dishes, which is pretty rare for around here,” Jason said.
