Proposals to open a Mary Brown’s fast food franchise in Yellowknife were given the blessing of city councillors on Monday.
An as-yet unnamed entrepreneur wants to open an outpost of the Canadian chicken chain at 335 Old Airport Road, opposite Corothers Home Hardware – a lot currently owned by Westown Tire Services.
@MooseFMCJCD we're patiently counting down the days!
— Mary Brown's (@MaryBrowns) August 25, 2015
City officials first received an application for a development permit on June 30. Detailed plans were submitted at the end of July. As a next step, the proposal required councillors’ approval.
Unanimous approval from city council came less than 24 hours after KFC left Yellowknife, ending the franchise’s 47-year history in the city. But Monday’s decision by no means suggests a Mary Brown’s is imminent.
Various hurdles must still be cleared, such as completing the development permit process – including departmental reviews from public works and the fire division – and acquiring the right building permits. Administrators say the plans meet all major criteria so far.
Read: Breast in peace – Yellowknife’s KFC closes its doors for good
It’s not immediately clear when work on a Mary Brown’s in Yellowknife would begin if all the necessary approvals are secured, nor when the franchise might open.
Mary Brown’s would be making its second appearance in the city. Seamus Henry ran the franchise alongside a Dairy Queen until 2002, on the site of the present Coyote’s Bar and Grill, before closing down as he couldn’t find staff.
The Jason family, operators of KFC until its closure, are opening a new restaurant in its place on 48 Street. Chicken will be on the menu.
