KFC disruption to affect some stores for the rest of the week

KFC expects disruption to some restaurants to continue for the rest of the week after a new delivery contract with DHL sparked chicken shortages across the country.

More than 500 of the chain’s nearly 900 stores are still closed, while many of those that are open are offering limited menus or have cut their hours.

A KFC spokesman said: “We anticipate the number of closures will reduce today and over the coming days as our teams work flat out all hours to clear the backlog.

“Each day more deliveries are being made, however, we expect the disruption to some restaurants to continue over the remainder of the week, meaning some will be closed and others operating with a reduced menu or shortened hours.”

Customers have taken to social media to voice their despair, with Ron Sanderson posting: “Disaster. Took the grandkids out to dinner at KFC only to see that it’s shut down. Some chicken shortage. Took them to Mcdonald’s but it’s not the same. Crying in the bathroom. Can’t show weakness in front of them.”

Daniel Watts wrote: “It’s crazy to think in 50 years that we will be able to turn round to our grandchildren and say I remember the KFC chicken crisis of 18”.

KFC said staff on short-term contacts would be paid the average hours worked per day over the past 12 weeks, while those on salaries would be paid as normal. However, 80% of KFC outlets are run on a franchise basis. “Franchisees will be seeking their own independent advice, but we’re encouraging them to adopt this policy too,” said the chain.

DHL announced in November that it had been appointed alongside QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products and packaging for more than 850 KFC restaurants throughout the UK.