An international food giant has created a host of new jobs after opening a store in the North East.

KFC announced last week (October 18) they had opened a new branch in Sunderland, creating 30 new jobs in the region.

The Ryhope store is located in Salterfen Park, a new business park at the junction of Salterfen Road with Ryhope Road.

The news caused a stir on social media, as residents greeted the opening with a mix of delight, humour and questions regarding future developments in the area.

Read more: Sunderland getting a Burger King back - and it's going to be bigger than ever

The Northern Echo:

In a statement, a KFC spokesperson said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and our shiny new restaurant opened in Ryhope on the 18th October, bringing 30 new jobs and our famous finger lickin’ chicken to the local area.”

Residents, showing their joy online, seemed excited at the culinary prospect.

In a social media post, one eager resident said "It's greasy deep fried chicken...and it tastes f@'-#!%g delicious."

While one resident, bemoaning their dietary plans, said: "Wounded… I’ve just restarted me diet."

Meanwhile, some were left questioning when other businesses such as Greggs, Burger King and Starbucks would be opening their locations.

One restless resident said: "I was at the bloody door [Burger King] last Monday when it was supposed to open, fuming it wasn't."

While in another post, one said: "Does anyone know what else is open apart from KFC?"

Read more: Metrocentre Burger King creates 30 new jobs in Gateshead

The Northern Echo:

Earlier this year, people passing through the area were able to see construction work underway at the site, as builders carried out the developments.

Last spring, Burger King had put up job listings for 34 new roles in the area, and were advertising for a variety of roles including managers.

In a statement in May, Jeremy Wright, People Director of Burger King UK, said: “During what has been a very challenging few years for many businesses, we are delighted to be creating new job and career opportunities in the area, and look forward to welcoming 34 new starters into the Burger King family, at our new Sunderland restaurant.

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