The county’s first Wingers restaurant has welcomed its first customers in what the new boss has called his “dream come true”.

The fast food chicken shop, which is opposite Greggs drive-thru just outside Milton Country Park near Sittingbourne, was opened today (April 28) at 11am by franchisee Reefadh Rasheed.

It offers a range of chicken dishes such as tenders, wings, burgers, and wraps. There are also loaded fries and milkshakes.

When KentOnline visited the Saffron Way eatery around 1pm it had served more than 60 hungry customers already.

Mr Rasheed said he had been “very anxious” before opening the store, which seats 34 people, but that turned into “excitement”.

He has 20 years of experience working for pizza delivery giant Domino's, where he became an area manager in London.

But the 40-year-old, who lives in Gillingham, says it was always his ambition to run his own restaurant.

“It’s a dream come true”, he said. “I had been thinking about opening my own business for years, and then I visited Wingers in Birmingham.

“I liked the food and how they work, so I got in touch to see if I could open a franchise.

“I was looking for somewhere in Kent and found this location. It’s a great opportunity as Sittingbourne doesn't have many food options.

“Once we have settled down, we are looking to open other branches in Kent.”

The store has created around 11 jobs and is the 14th Wingers franchise in the country.

It was founded by Amran Sunner, his brother Dylan, and his dad Bill, who come from the Midlands.

They began cooking during the Covid-lockdowns as a “dark kitchen” - one purely for takeaways - and then franchised in 2022.

Since then, it has rapidly expanded.

Mr Sunner, who was helping out in the kitchen, told KentOnline that the reason for the business “exploding” is because of the “good food” they offer.

The 25-year-old said: “We've got a good fan base up in the Midlands and we've just decided to expand across the UK.

“It’s so far, so good.”

Mr Sunner says the Sittingbourne site is one of the “nicest” stores they have, but would not be drawn on how much it cost.

He said: “I thought it'd be a good spot for us as you can come with the family as it's right next to the park.

“So you can go have a walk around, then come in here for dinner.”

Some of the first customers were retired Sheppey couple Stuart and Christine Somers and their son Lee Dalton, who was celebrating his 48th birthday.

They were eating Jerk and American fried chicken wings.

Former KM reporter Mr Somers, 66, said the food was “tastier and more filling than KFC for around the same price”.

The eatery has taken up the two units opposite the Greggs drive-thru – also a first in the county.

The bakery opened on February 10, 2023, creating 15 jobs.

All three units were built as part of the regeneration of the Regis Medical Centre site.

The development includes a new car park for the Milton Creek Country Park, an ambition held for 30 years.