KFC to have 100 sites reopen for delivery by next week

The fried chicken chain, which has more than 900 locations across the country, has gradually reopened 20 of its restaurants over the past two weeks, having closed its entire UK estate last month as a result of the Coronavirus shutdown.

However, it has now pledged to open a further 80 by next Monday (4 May).

In a statement on its Twitter page​​, KFC UK said: “Update from The Colonel… by next Monday we’ll have reopened 100 of our restaurants in the UK for delivery.

“We’re reopening our restaurants in a responsible way, with stringent processes and hygiene measures in place. 

“We’ll be serving a limited menu to help the smaller kitchen teams maintain social distancing.”

Only those who can travel to work without the need to use public transport have been asked to return, with KFC UK previously saying​​ it was giving team members the choice as to whether they wished to do so. 

The social distancing measures put in place include placing tape on the floor to create designated working zones that are two metres apart; and having just one person operating each station, with the limited menu preventing the need for staff to cross between stations. 

There are also markings on the floor for delivery drivers to use so they can keep their distance while waiting to collect orders.

KFC added in its social media statement that opening the restaurants would give it the capacity to deliver 10,000 free meals a week to NHS staff and key workers.