KFCs shut in chicken crisis

FAST food giant KFC has been forced to shut about 600 of its 900 UK restaurants – after they ran out of chicken.

The fried chicken chain said “teething problems” at delivery company DHL, which took over the contract last week, were behind the disruption.

It was unclear when the problems would be resolved, a KFC spokesman said.

Workers are being encouraged to take holiday but would not be forced to do so, he added.

“Our teams are working flat out all hours to get the restaurants back up and running as soon as possible – but it’s too early to say how long it will take to clear the backlog.”

About 80 per cent of KFC outlets are franchises.

KFC yesterday wrote on Twitter: “The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants.”

“Sorry we’re closed” signs outside branches read: “We’ve brought a new delivery partner on board, but they’ve had a couple of teething problems – getting fresh chicken out to 900 restaurants across the country is pretty complex! We won’t compromise on quality, so no deliveries has meant some of our restaurants are closed, and others are operating a limited menu or shortened hours.”

KFC’s chicken was previously delivered by South African-owned group Bidvest, but after DHL took over many outlets began running out of chicken products.

The distribution network uses software developed by Quick Service Logistics.

DHL said: “Due to operational issues, a number of deliveries in recent days have been incomplete or delayed.

“We are working with our partners, KFC and QSL, to rectify the situation as a priority and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Luton resident Claire told BBC Radio 5 Live how she had gone to pick up a KFC meal with her nine-year-old twins at the family’s local drive-through on Saturday.

“We queued for about 20 minutes,” she said.

“There were about 15 cars in the queue and when we got to the counter and asked for our standard family bucket we were told there was no chicken. We then had the joy of queuing to get back out again.”