KFC 'digests' Govt call for business shutdown

First the good news. KFC isn’t shutting its doors just yet. But, said Simon Hardy, CEO of Prestige Holdings, the chain’s local franchise holder, management was meeting to discuss the possibility after the Prime Minister’s announcement Thursday that from Monday, all non-essential businesses will close, at least until April 15, in response to the covid19 pandemic.

“Like the rest of the nation, we are digesting what it means. We haven’t received clarity on what it is so we are mapping out what it is,” he said.

Since nationwide precautions against the disease started in earnest earlier this month, KFC, which some people might consider an essential service, started implementing more stringent health and safety protocols to protect workers and customers.

“We’ve been trying to be as innovative as possible, with enhances in sanitation and food safety in light of the challenges to us.”

The company has also been offering free delivery and curb-side pick-up.

“We are focusing on these convenience channels whilst doing our part to minimise social gatherings and trying to feed the nation in a responsible manner.”

He did admit that sales have been affected negatively, although KFC has been more resilient than the other brands under the Prestige umbrella, including Starbucks and TGI Friday. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister ordered all restaurants to cease dine-in operations, allowing only take-away options in an attempt to dissuade large gatherings.

“We’ve been operating for over 46 years in TT. We’ve weathered all sorts of storms but we are confident this too will pass. Even if we come out of it a little battle-scarred, we will weather this storm.”