Iran-Based KFC Rejects Links with US Fast Food Chain
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The manager of a fast food restaurant recently shut down in Tehran dismissed reports on its affiliation with the American brand KFC.
Abbas Pazuki, the manager of Iran-based KFC restaurant told the Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday that his fast food restaurant is not a branch of the American brand.
The Iranian police shut down the restaurant on Tuesday thinking it is affiliated with the US fast food chain, KFC, he claimed.
“This restaurant has no connection with the American KFC company,” Pazuki added.
Police, however, rejected claims that it has closed the restaurant because of its link with the American brand, saying the restaurant was shut down “because it did not have any license.”
US KFC spokeswoman Laurie Schalow, meanwhile, has said no franchise rights have been granted to business owners in Iran.
“We are shocked with the news that an illegitimate KFC outlet has opened in Tehran, Iran,” she told Foreign Policy in an email Tuesday.
“We are in contact with local authorities and external advisers and will be filing a legal action against any company or individuals claiming to have rights to open (a) KFC.”
