‘Illegitimate Halal KFC’ restaurant in Iran closed on third day in business

TEHRAN

A woman walks past the fried chicken shop "KFC Halal", using the brand name of US fast food giant KFC, after it was closed by Iranian police, on November 3, 2015, in the capital Tehran. AFP Photo

An illegitimate “Halal KFC” restaurant has been closed in Iran within days of its opening as the parent company in the United States is seeking legal action over the opening, as reported by Al Arabiya News. The restaurant manager, however, said the restaurant was a part of a brand known as Halal KFC, which comes from Turkey. 

The parent company of U.S. fast food giant KFC is seeking legal action over the opening of what it called an “illegitimate” outlet in Iran, soon after news that a knock-off eatery had been closed by local authorities.

“We are shocked with the news that an illegitimate KFC outlet has opened in Tehran, Iran,” a Yum! Brands spokesperson told Al Arabiya News in an emailed statement on Nov. 4.
 
“No franchise rights have been granted to any party in Iran. We are in contact with local authorities and external advisers and will be filing legal action against any company or individuals claiming to have rights to open a KFC,” added the statement, quoted by Al Arabiya News. 

Hours earlier, Iranian police shuttered the “Halal KFC” restaurant that had been operating on a false license, according to Iranian media.

However, the restaurant’s manager said that authorities had made a “misunderstanding” and that “Halal KFC” was not affiliated with the U.S. chain.

“We are part of a brand known as Halal KFC, which comes from Turkey. It belongs to Muslims and its target market is Muslim nations,” Abbas Pazuki told the Tasnim News Agency, as reported by Al Arabiya News.