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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A complaint over catered fried chicken has become a controversy at the state Capitol as lawmakers prepare for final budget votes.
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The incident centers on Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, a restaurant hired by lobbyists to cater an event last week at the Capitol. The lobbyists paid for enough food to feed over 100 people, and by most accounts, the chicken was a hit.
But Sen. Kiana Sears, a Democrat from Mesa, was not happy, according to emails between the company’s management, lawmakers and lobbyists.
Senator complained about meal quality
According to the restaurant’s manager, Sears called to complain. Sears, who did not pay for the food or organize the event, claimed the meal was “overcooked, dry and not enjoyed by most.”
The lobbyists were then blindsided by what happened next. The manager said Sears “would like the order remade on June 27 at 5:30 p.m.”
The request raised questions about whether Sears was trying to score a free meal, who would be at the event on a Saturday, and how bad the chicken actually was.
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Sears did not respond to requests for comment. Lawmakers at the Capitol declined to speak publicly about the incident, though many had opinions about it privately.
The controversy comes as state lawmakers prepare to make their final votes on the budget deal Tuesday.
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