Herron’s Country Fried Chicken in Portadown has long been a cherished establishment, serving up delicious comfort food for over 32 years.
The local takeaway first opened its doors in 1993. Now, this beloved eatery has come under new management, bringing fresh energy and exciting changes to the menu.
The announcement come as the former proprietor Keith Ogle announced his retirement in late January saying “After 32 years of owning Herrons Country Fried Chicken in Portadown I’ve decided to take a step back and enjoy family life”.
Continuing the family legacy, the new owner Darren Ogle, who is Keith’s nephew, is no stranger to the food industry and has now taken ownership of the Portadown eatery. With family ties in the business that started with his great-uncle Billy Herron who founded Herron’s Country Fried in 1977 in Newcastle, Darren is looking forward to this exciting new chapter in his entrepreneurial quest.
Darren’s connection to the restaurant is personal and significant. Growing up in a family that has been dedicated to the food industry, he initially envisioned launching his own takeaway. However, a pivotal moment occurred while he was exploring a location in Moira. As he discussed potential suppliers for ice cream, it struck him how much the youth culture embraced ice cream as a social experience.
This revelation led him to open Oggies Dessert Bar in Banbridge, a venture that showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the food industry.
Now, with the reins of Herron’s Country Fried Chicken in his hands, Darren is excited to honour the family legacy while also infusing his own vision into the eatery.
The High Street premises have undergone a thoughtful refurbishment, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the delicious food served. Darren emphasises that the essence of Herron’s will remain intact, as they continue to serve the beloved menu classics that have made the restaurant a local favourite.
Speaking to UrbanABC, Darren shared, “We have put a lot of effort into revamping the premises to create a fresh new atmosphere for our customers.
“Along with the refreshed look, we’ve also added exciting new items to the menu that we believe will delight our customers. To ensure we can serve everyone better, we’ve increased our opening hours as well. Our goal is to enhance the overall dining experience at Herrons Country Fried Chicken and to continue being a beloved part of the community.”
The upcoming menu additions are set to tantalise taste buds, offering innovative dishes that reflect current food trends while maintaining the hearty comfort food that Herron’s is known for.
“We like to go that wee bit extra. Our customers deserve the best, and we want to ensure they leave satisfied every time”.
As Herron’s Country Fried Chicken transitions into this new chapter, it remains committed to its core values of quality, service, and community. With Darren at the helm, the takeaway is poised for a bright future, blending tradition with innovation. The locals can look forward to not only enjoying their favourite meals but also discovering exciting new flavours that will keep them coming back for more.
“Customers of a certain age may remember coming out of the local bars and heading straight to Country Fried for the famous kebab at 1am. I’m looking forward to reinstating the Saturday night late opening on the back of staff and customer feedback”.
While Oggies is famous for their belly busting portions, it’s very much setting the trend for Portadown. Darren jokes, “so now customers can come to Portadown for their chicken and chips then Oggies in Banbridge after for dessert.
The new management at Herron’s Country Fried Chicken marks an exciting time for this Portadown institution. With Darren’s fresh ideas, the takeaway is set to continue delighting customers for years to come. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, be sure to visit and experience the delicious offerings that Herron’s has to offer. Keep an eye out for those new menu items coming soon, as they are sure to elevate your dining experience even further.
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