A chicken shop made famous by TikTok has become so popular Brummies are travelling almost 100 miles to try its signature spicy burger. Miami Crispy in Manchester has become a huge hit with people from all over the country.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the eatery has seen a rapid rise in success. That has meant customers driving from as far as Burnley and even Birmingham.
But despite its sign promising “the best spicy chicken burger in the country”, the huge popularity has come with downsides for locals, it’s been reported. Some have slammed an increase in litter and parking issues while an influx of seagulls has also driven neighbours mad.
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The Manchester local authority said it had increased litter enforcement in the area. But one council officer claimed community tensions were “extremely high”. And Burnage Lane resident Habib Ejaz said the situation was “horrendous”.
“The seagulls wake you up because they’re all fighting for the food,” he said. “I’ve been here almost 30 years. It’s never been messy here. Now it’s the smell. You’d think we’re living in a rubbish dump.”
Tom Maher, who also lives nearby, added: “I think they’re trying their best. The customers are the problem.”
The comments came as local residents objected to a late-night licence for a new takeaway on Lane End Road where the restaurant sits. A council officer told a licensing panel the local authority had been “hammered” with complaints.
A Manchester Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of the issues around littering and anti-social behaviour in the area, and in the interim has made additional resources available for enforcement activity. In the long-run the council would like to reassure residents that potential solutions are being explored which could improve the situation.”
Responding to a request for comment, a spokesperson for Miami Crispy told the Manchester Evening News: “First of all, I should say that I am obviously very pleased that the food MIAMI CRISPY makes is so well appreciated. We have many loyal customers and it is always important to us to serve them well and make food that they enjoy.
“We do understand that our popularity has meant that the number of customers has increased over the years. We have always made sure that waste from our business is properly and hygienically disposed of.
“Following the concerns raised by local residents we have, as you have highlighted, put further measures in place to try to ensure that litter is minimised. We genuinely care about local residents – after all everyone who is lucky enough to have home wants to feel comfortable in it and we are no different.
“We have been surprised by what seems to have been an increase in the amount of litter which has been giving rise to complaints recently – because there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in business. We are not sure of the reason for this.
“The market for fried chicken in Manchester is, as you are probably aware, very competitive and there are less scrupulous operators who have been known to focus more on trying to harm their competitors than the success of their own business. Nonetheless, we will continue to do all that we can to prosper by selling food our customers love whilst at the same time ensure that we play our part in making the local area one residents feel comfortable living in.”
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