Several KFC restaurants have abruptly closed in the Peoria and Rockford, Ill., markets. According to news reports, the eight restaurants were owned by EYM Chicken Operations, which franchises KFC locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the chicken chain confirmed the closures, stating, “These locations are owned by one franchisee. The decision to close a restaurant is always difficult for both the franchisee and the brand. We appreciate the patronage of our loyal guests.”
WMBD-TV reported that the KFC stores will remain closed until the locations have new owners.
EYM Chicken Operations’ parent company EYM Group also franchises Denny’s, Pizza Hut, and Panera locations. In July, several of its Pizza Hut locations also closed and, shortly thereafter, EYM Pizza L.P. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing came after Pizza Hut sued EYM for not paying royalties on time, even after a forbearance period granted last year that ended in February.
EYM had previously sued Pizza Hut for breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims, but the case was dismissed, opening the way for Pizza Hut’s own lawsuit.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]