CLUCKING HELL
Why did KFC run out of chicken, what was the apology ‘fck’ advert and which Kentucky Fried Chicken stores are open now?
Over 600 branches were shut during the chicken crisis, which left customers across the UK panicked or angry
KFC fans were left hungry and adrift after more than 600 branches were forced to close.
The fast-food chain blamed a chicken shortage on teething problems with delivery firm DHL. Here's what we know.
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Why did KFC run out of chicken?
Disappointed KFC fans complained on social media on February 16 that a number of branches had unexpectedly closed.
It emerged hundreds more across Britain had been forced to shut their doors, including Newcastle, Suffolk, Surrey and Berkshire.
Staff put signs in the windows saying: "Sorry we're closed ...we've had a few hiccups with the delivery."
Other shops remained open but took chicken off the menu.
KFC confirmed the problem on February 17 – restaurants had run out of chicken.
The chain said its new delivery company was struggling to cope with supplying 900 shops.
KFC UK said: “The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants…
“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."
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When will the KFC chicken shortages end?
Stores are slowly beginning to return to normal, with nearly 80% of the UK branches opening their doors once again - but some are running limited menus.
KFC said: "The Colonel is working on it."
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It added: “Shout out to our restaurant teams who are working flat out to get us back up and running again.”
Delivery giant DHL confessed it was to blame for the problems, four months after vowing to "set a new delivery standard" when it was awarded the KFC contract.
A spokesman said: “Due to administrative issues a number of deliveries have been incomplete or delayed.
"We are doing our utmost to rectify the situation as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
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Which KFC branches are open?
Stores have begun to reopen - but many are running limited menus.
The chain's website across the UK and Ireland.
It says people can also find the nearest open branch by downloading its app.
KFC apologised to customers who are disappointed they can't get their "fried chicken fix".
A KFC factory held a "£1 chicken bag" sale to shift excess produce, while the two nearest high street stores were closed due to a lack of supplies.
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What was KFC's apology advert?
KFC won back fast food fans with a plucky advert which appeared in the Sun newspaper on February 23, 2018.
The takeaway giant took out a full-page ad showing an empty bargain bucket with the usual "KFC" logo replaced by "FCK".
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The ploy seems to have worked - as people flocked to social media to praise the under-fire firm.
Ashley Halliday wrote on Twitter: "Apology totally accepted @KFCUKI - Saying sorry means a lot in life."
Twitter user Miss Chibs said: "Possibly the best apology ad ever #lovingit #kfc."
Peter Storr tweeted: "Not a fan of KFC generally, but got to love their apology."
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