A woman who complained about "disgusting" service at KFC ended up being "bullied" online by the store's staff.
Kayla de Luen posted a complaint to the fast food chain's official Facebook page on Tuesday evening after she visited the New Plymouth restaurant.
The post said she "was disgusted" with the service and the state of the store, saying she would "never ever" return.
De Luen said the burger and chips she had waited 20 minutes for were under par and upon returning home she realised the meal's drink had been omitted.
When she went public with her grievance, the post generated hundreds of comments of support from national customers who had endured similar dining experiences.
The complaint also attracted the interest of KFC New Plymouth staff members who allegedly commented on the post, leaving "mocking" and "bullying" comments.
De Luen said she spoke to the store's manager who was "highly in denial" and offered de Luen a free meal, which she declined.
She threatened to take her complaint to New Zealand consumer affairs programme, Fair Go.
"It has caused a lot of stress for me due to the post and bullying," she said.
A KFC spokesperson confirmed a complaint had been made by de Luen.
"We have spoken to Kayla to personally apologise and will be meeting with the staff members involved to remind them of our social media policy."
KFC New Zealand refused to elaborate when asked whether it would further investigate the store's cleanliness and the professionalism of staff.
De Luen's post has since been removed from the social media page, along with staff's comments.
She has since received a $40 refund.
- Stuff