Coronavirus: KFC to reopen some outlets as takeaway services during lockdown

KFC is also donating free meals to key workers

Matt Mathers
Wednesday 15 April 2020 10:27 BST
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KFC has reopened some of its outlets for takeaway only until the Covid-19 lockdown ends.

The chicken chain said it is serving meals at 11 of its sites across the UK but with limited menus and no eating in.

KFCs in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Portsmouth and Ipswich are among some of those sites reopening for takeaways.

It comes three weeks after the fast good giant shut all its restaurants following the government’s announcement that the public was to stay home and self-isolate.

A spokesperson for KFC said the chain hopes to expand the service to other outlets if it is deemed safe to do so by authorities.

All staff working at KFC restaurants that have re-opened and those involved in supply chains such as delivery drivers will abide by social distancing guidelines, KFC said.

There will also be fewer workers in KFC’s kitchens.

The spokesperson added: “Over the last week, we’ve reopened 11 of our restaurants in the UK.

“They’re open for delivery only and are serving a limited menu, operated by fewer team members with new procedures in place to help ensure we’re following social distancing guidelines.

“There’s still a need for affordable, accessible food at this time – so we want to do our part.”

KFC last week donated more than 3,000 meals to NHS staff on the frontline and other key workers helping to keep the UK running.

Each open restaurant has pledged to provide 100 free meals every Tuesday to those still working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

KFC also said that staff employed at the restaurants reopening had been given the chance to work on an “opt-in basis”.

Only those who can get to work without using public transport had been asked to return to work, KFC added.

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