Eight branches of the popular American fried chicken chain KFC have abruptly ceased operations in Israel and are currently closed. The affected locations include the G Mall Kfar Saba, Mall Zikhron in Zikhron Yaakov, Big Fashion Yarka, Mall Kinneret at Tzemach Beach, Harim Mall in Nof Hagalil, Cinema City Beersheba, Big Beersheba, and Ramlod Mall in Ramla.
In a post on KFC Israel's Facebook page, the company announced: "Dear customers, eight KFC branches are currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Fans of our famous tasty chicken can still enjoy KFC at the following open locations: Yachin Petach Tikva, Renanim Mall, Ir Yamim Mall Netanya, Cinema City Rishon Lezion, Opera Building Tel Aviv, Haifa's Haifa Bay Shopping Center, Grand Canyon Haifa, Kiryat Bialik's Kiryat Krayot Mall, downtown Haifa, Bilu Center, Big Ashdod, and Givatayim Mall, which are open for dining in and takeaway."
It is worth noting that the eight closed branches are operated by a franchisee named Mefaco, which manages branches serving the Arab sector. The remaining 13 branches that continue to operate as usual are managed by the Smart Service franchisee.
In the comments on the post, several users speculated whether the closures were related to Ramadan (which began last Friday and continues through the end of March) and even accused KFC of trying to conceal this. However, the company has denied this claim. Industry sources have attributed the decision to economic reasons.
KFC Israel's franchisee issued a statement: "The company Mefaco, which operates in Israel, has halted the business activity of the eight branches under its management. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide updates as soon as there is news to share. KFC remains committed to serving our valued customers, who are welcome to visit any of the 12 other KFC locations that are operating as usual. These locations include Tel Aviv, Givatayim, Rishon Lezion, Grand Canyon Haifa, Ashdod, Petach Tikva, Bilu Junction, Netanya, Raanana, Hutzot HaMifratz, Krayot, and downtown Haifa."
