A popular American restaurant chain's first North East store could open at the Metrocentre.
Slim Chickens has lodged plans with Gateshead Council to open a unit inside the Qube II section of the shopping centre.
The firm, which specialises in chicken tenders, has expanded rapidly across the United States since opening in 2003.
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It currently has 11 stores in the UK, although the majority are in the south. The closest branch to the North East is currently in Manchester.
However a licencing application submitted to Gateshead Council this week shows the firm wants permission to sell alcohol until midnight each day at the proposed Metrocentre branch.
ChronicleLive has approached the firm for further comment.
Foodies are in for a treat if the site does open in the North East.
The firm is famous for its buttermilk tenders, but also sells wings, salads and chicken sandwiches alongside shakes and sides such as mac and cheese.
And on the Slim Chickens website, the firm states its missions is to "make the best hand-breaded chicken tenders using only the freshest ingredients, served in a friendly atmosphere".
The public have until July 27 to make any representations over the application for a licence.
A decision over the application is expected to be made later this summer.
