ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) – A convenience store chain’s billboard advertising its fried chicken sandwich is ruffling the feathers of some residents.

Sheetz unveiled the “Crispy Frickin’ Chicken” billboards at the beginning of February.

The campaign consists of 100 billboards placed at locations that carry the sandwich, spokeswoman Monica Jones said Thursday. The campaign is aimed at young adults, and the company did not intend to offend anyone, Jones said.

“We’re kind of known for edgy, kind of brash advertising tactics, and we knew this would spark a certain amount of controversy,” Jones said. “That said, we’re proud of the campaign.”

Sheetz will take down the billboards on Wednesday, when the campaign is scheduled to end, Jones said. The company removed one in Hazle Township after local officials fielded complaints.

“There was a lady who left an angry voice mail,” code enforcement officer Fran Calarco said. “And a man called and said he had small children and didn’t think they should be exposed to that type of language. I told him I completely understood and agreed.”

Sheetz Inc., based in Altoona, operates stores in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

AP-ES-02-28-08 1227EST