How scheduled collection works
For collection orders, we set aside your meal for the agreed time slot and prepare it close to pickup so the chicken stays hot and the coating keeps its bite. If you are collecting from Orlando West, Diepkloof, Meadowlands, Protea Glen, Dobsonville or Naledi, please arrive during the time window given for your order.
Collection times are managed in short slots to avoid long waiting lines and to keep the counter moving for walk-ins. Where possible, book ahead for lunch queues, Friday evenings and Sunday family orders. Larger trays, boxed lunches and catering packs need more lead time because they are cooked, packed and checked as one order.
- Small meal orders: arrive within the booked time slot.
- Family packs and tray orders: allow a little extra time at handover.
- Large group orders: confirm the slot before leaving home.
- Weekend pickups: expect heavier traffic and slower parking near the counter.
When to arrive and how long we hold orders
We hold scheduled pickup orders for a limited period from the agreed collection time. If you are running late, let us know through the enquiry form on the contact page so we can advise whether the order can still be kept aside. Orders left too long can lose heat and crispness, especially in cold weather or wet Soweto evenings.
As a guide, smaller orders are best collected within 15 to 20 minutes of the booked time. Family pack catering, event snack packs and boxed lunches may be held a little longer if the kitchen has confirmed it, but we cannot keep food standing indefinitely. In busy periods, especially month-end and public holidays, please expect a short wait even if your slot is confirmed.
- Arrive near your booked time, not early by a full hour.
- If you are delayed, send a quick update through the contact form.
- Collect promptly once your name or order number is called.
- For warm weather and coastal trips out of town, collect as close to departure as possible.
What to have ready at the counter
To make handover quick, have your order details ready when you reach the counter. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, they should know the order name, the collection area and any special notes. This helps our front counter team match the correct pack to the right customer without holding up the queue.
If your order includes extras such as spicy pieces, side changes or sauce requests, please check the slip before leaving. Once the order has left the counter, we may not be able to adjust it. That is why we advise customers to review the contents before they head out, especially for church groups, school events and funeral support orders where each pack must go to the right people.
- Give the order name used when booking.
- Have the collection time and item count ready.
- Check any side dishes before leaving.
- Tell us if another person is collecting for you.
Parking, walking in and queue order
Our Orlando West base serves a steady stream of lunch and evening collections, so please be patient when the queue is long. Walk-in customers are helped in order, and scheduled pickups are called as space opens at the counter. If you arrive during a rush, you may wait a few minutes before handover. That is normal and helps us keep orders accurate.
When parking is limited, please do not block neighbours, driveways or taxi movement near the area. Keep your vehicle secure and come straight in once you are ready to collect. If you are collecting for a group, send one person to the counter rather than bringing the whole group inside, which keeps the line moving and reduces confusion.
- Follow the queue order at the counter.
- One collector per order is best.
- Keep your vehicle parked legally and neatly.
- During load shedding or traffic delays, allow extra time for collection.
Handing over hot food safely
Chicken is packed for travel, but it is still best handled carefully on the way home. Keep the bags upright, avoid squeezing the boxes and open them only when you are ready to eat. If you are travelling to Meadowlands, Protea Glen or farther across Soweto, place the order on a flat surface in the car and keep drinks separate so the packaging stays dry.
For family packs and boxed lunches, we use closed packaging that helps the food travel well across town. Even so, hot steam can soften the coating if the pack is opened too early. If you have a long trip or a second stop to make, let us know when ordering so we can advise on the best packing option. A little planning saves disappointment and keeps the meal in better shape.
- Carry the pack level and do not tip it sideways.
- Keep hot and cold items separate if your order has both.
- Open boxes only when you are ready to eat.
- For longer trips, collect closer to departure time.
Special orders, missed slots and support
Special orders for funerals, church groups, school events and weekend gatherings should be booked early. The more pieces and sides involved, the more careful the timing must be. We try to keep things practical and clear, but if your plans change, tell us as soon as possible so we can adjust the kitchen run or advise on a new slot.
If you miss your collection window, your order may need to be refreshed or remade depending on how long it has stood. We handle this case by case, based on the size of the order and the time of day. For support, use the enquiry form on the contact page and include the order name, date, time and pickup area. That helps us handle your order details clearly and avoid back and forth.
- Book large orders early, especially for weekends.
- Let us know if your pickup time changes.
- Include the order name and area when asking for help.
- Missed slots are reviewed based on food quality and timing.
