One of the Island’s favourite fast-food enterprises, Mr Chicken, has been put up for sale by the founding owners David and Beryl Furbert.

The couple have decided it is time to retire and they are looking to sell the business, which saw record revenue turnover last year across its three locations.

Mr Chicken has outlets at Heron Bay, in Southampton, Queen Street, in Hamilton, and a smaller Mr Chicken Express in Devonshire.

“I feel that someone out there would want to buy the whole three,” said Mrs Furbert. “If not we will have to chop up the franchise, but it would be more beneficial if there was one new owner.”

The business has around 35 staff, and they have been made aware of the Furberts’ desire to sell Mr Chicken as a going concern.

“The managers at all three locations are excellent and so are the staff, they are really valuable to us,” said Mrs Furbert.

Despite the economic recession of recent years the business has proven to be resilient.

Mr Furbert said: “Sales have been growing since 2008.”

His wife added: “I would call it recession-proof. In a recession fast food is going to thrive. We’ve seen people coming to us.”

Extending opening hours to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays to cater for late night customers, and the opening of the Devonshire outlet in 2013, have contributed to increased sales during the past few years.

The couple said that if a buyer cannot be found then they will continue to run the business, but they would prefer to sell it so they can focus on their retirement.

The Furberts opened the first Mr Chicken at Heron Bay in 1985.

It was while visiting the US that Mr Furbert drew inspiration from the Popeyes fast food chain in Florida and considered the idea of opening a fast-food restaurant in Bermuda.

After opening the first Mr Chicken outlet, the Furberts were involved in all aspects of running the business.

“It went well. We were working there 24/7 to begin with,” said Mr Furbert, who had previously been a police officer and taxi driver.

Mrs Furbert was working for an exempt company at the time, but had some catering background as her mother had previously run Woody’s restaurant in Dockyard.

Once the business was running smoothly the couple moved overseas for a decade, before returning to Bermuda.

In 2003 they opened a second Mr Chicken at Collector’s Hill and four years later relocated that restaurant to a prime location on Queen Street in Hamilton.

“It was doing well [at Collector’s Hill], but Dave always wanted to have a location in Hamilton,” said Mrs Furbert.

Two years ago a further branch was opened on Watlington Road, in Devonshire, not far from Lindo’s supermarket. Mr Chicken Express is only a small outlet, but it has proven popular with locals.

Explaining how the idea of a neighbourhood Mr Chicken came about, Mr Furbert said: “My brother was visiting from Virginia and was staying here. He said he had gone out but could not find anywhere to eat.”

The vacant building on Watlington Road appeared to be the ideal spot for a small fast food outlet, and so it proved. The couple have seen strong sales since opening up in early 2013.

Mrs Furbert points out that despite the name, Mr Chicken sells a variety of menu items, including pizza, burgers, fish sandwiches and some seafood. There is also a Sunday breakfast menu available from 8am at the Hamilton and Devonshire outlets.

When asked what type of person they imagine might buy the business, Mr Furbert said: “It could be someone who is an outright investor, or someone with energy and willing to work.”

Mrs Furbert said: “Maybe a young person with fresh ideas.

“Ideally we’d like to sell it as a single business. It is a good opportunity for someone. Mr Chicken has done well for us.”

The couple said they were looking forward to their retirement, and they intend to spend more time with their grandchildren, travel and “enjoy life”.

Anyone interested in buying the business can call 236-5854, or reach Mr Furbert on 333-4373 or Mrs Furbert on 504-5854.