KFC Algeria debut ends over alleged pro-Israel ties (2024)

On Sunday, 16 April, a branch of KFC opened in the Algiers suburb of Dely Ibrahim, marking the first location of the US chain in the North African country. [Getty]

In Algeria, the first KFC store to open in the country closed two days after its opening amid a nationwide backlash against the chain food store, which is included in the pro-Palestine boycotting list.

On Sunday, 16 April, a branch of KFC opened in the Algiers suburb of Dely Ibrahim, marking the first location of the US chain in the North African country.

However, many Algerians quickly made it clear that the store was not welcome in their country, mainly due to its alleged support for Israel.

"ماتكونش لا سمح الله".. وقفة أمام مطعم "كنتاكي" في #الجزائر للدعوة لمقاطعته بسبب دعمه الاحتلال#حرب_غزة pic.twitter.com/hgwWV2JLRr

— قناة الجزيرة (@AJArabic) April 15, 2024

With Palestinian flags and chants for "Palestinian martyrs," dozens of young protesters barricaded the storefront until it closed on Tuesday.

In January, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement listed KFC's sister company, Pizza Hut, as an "organic boycott target" — a boycott not initiated by BDS but worthy of support due to the "brands' complicity in Israel's genocide and apartheid against Palestinians."

Pizza Hut and KFC are both owned by the American corporation Yum! Brands, which is known for its investments in Israeli startups.

Early on Wednesday, the store's famous Colonel Sanders logo was removed, hailed as a victory by the protesting boycotters.

However, later that day, the store reopened with no logo but with the same US-style greasy menu.

The New Arabcontacted KFC's press department, which has not yet commented on the story.

بعد أيام من افتتاح فرعها الأول، KFC الجزائر 🇩🇿 تزيل شعار علامتها وتُغلق أبوابها!

منذ افتتاحها تعالت أصوات مقاطعتها، ووقفات احتجاجية أمامها، واستنكارٌ لمنح الترخيص لوكيلها! #الجزائر 🇩🇿

pic.twitter.com/rIaOG80xTi

— 🇩🇿 أحمد داود 🇩🇿‏ ‏ (@AhmadDaoud14) April 17, 2024

Considering the US's frequent contribution to political conflicts worldwide, this will not be the first time an American chain has closed or rebranded to avoid backlash.

Amid the Ukraine war, most American chains had to leave Russia and Kazakhstan. Their stores reopened shortly under different names but with similar menus.

Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza, regional franchises of McDonald's, one of the key boycotted brands, have distanced themselves from the parent company, arguing that they are 100% local.

The opening of a KFC branch in Algeria was notable because the North African country was traditionally opposed to Western food chains and had harsh foreign investment laws.

Unlike its neighbours, Algiers hosts no foreign food or beverage chains. It hosted a "Starbucks" store briefly but was closed after being proven to be a fraud replica that had no permit from the main company.

Officials of Western chain food companies have admitted that the Gaza war has "meaningfully impacted" their performance, leading to decreased sales and thousands of layoffs worldwide, mainly in the Global South.

KFC Algeria debut ends over alleged pro-Israel ties (2024)

FAQs

KFC Algeria debut ends over alleged pro-Israel ties? ›

On Sunday, 16 April, a branch of KFC opened in the Algiers suburb of Dely Ibrahim, marking the first location of the US chain in the North African country. However, many Algerians quickly made it clear that the store was not welcome in their country, mainly due to its alleged support for Israel.

Did protests force KFC branch in Algeria to close over support to Israel? ›

Protests erupted in Algeria at the opening of a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) branch in Bab El Oued, Algiers, where protestors removes its Colonel Sanders logo from the building just two days after opening. This action was driven by a broader boycott campaign against brands supporting the Israeli occupation.

Who does KFC support, Israel or Palestine? ›

The company says it is nonpolitical and denies supporting the Israeli military or government.

Is KFC an Israeli food chain? ›

KFC is one of several fast food chains (Pizza Hut and Taco Bell are others) belonging to the YUM corporation, which is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. YUM was spun off from Pepsi. Neither corporation was ever based in Israel.

Is KFC still on the boycott list? ›

The Boycott Divestment Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) has cleared the air about its alleged campaign for Malaysians to boycott KFC.

Does Burger King support Israel? ›

Activists have called for a global boycott of Burger King over Israel outlets also providing free food and drinks to the Israeli military. Burger King stores have also found themselves the target of attacks fueled by anti-Israel anger.

Why did people boycott KFC? ›

The majority-Muslim nation of Malaysia has long supported Palestinians, prompting boycotts against certain Western fast-food brands, including KFC, over Israel's actions in Gaza, the publication said.

Does Krispy Kreme support Israel or Palestine? ›

The owners of Krispy Kreme, the Reimann family are staunch zionists and support the zionist state with investment and donations through their Alfred Landecker Foundation.

Is McDonald's supporting Israel? ›

McDonald's will buy back all of its Israeli restaurants after sales suffered from a boycott of the brand over its perceived support for Israel. The fast food giant was criticised after its Israeli franchise gave away thousands of free meals to Israeli soldiers.

Does Pizza Hut support Israel? ›

Pizza Hut joins the likes of McDonald's and Starbucks — both companies faced backlash and boycotts last year for their perceived support of the Israeli government amid the country's continued strikes in Gaza.

Can Muslims eat chicken from KFC? ›

If you are a practising Muslim, it would be wise to avoid KFC food items in India. KFC's use of halal meat varies by location. In countries with significant Muslim populations, such as parts of the Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia, KFC often uses halal-certified meat.

Is McDonald's an Israeli brand? ›

McDonald's Corporation is an American multinational fast food chain, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States.

Is Subway Israeli owned? ›

Subway IP LLC, doing business as Subway, is an American multinational fast food restaurant franchise that specializes in submarine sandwiches (subs) and wraps.

Why are Muslims boycotting KFC? ›

In Malaysia, the franchise holder for American fast-food giant KFC says it has been forced to temporarily close numerous outlets, citing “challenging economic conditions”, as consumers in the Muslim-majority nation persist with a months-long boycott against brands perceived to have links with Israel.

Why is KFC not popular in the US? ›

Key issues include relatively slow service and lack of menu innovation. In the US, speed and service quality are paramount, posing a hurdle for KFC. The business has also suffered persistent problems with suppliers over the years. KFC has often stressed menu innovations, such as introducing boneless chicken in the US.

What was the KFC scandal? ›

Mutant chicken scandal

The chain was accused of genetically modifying chickens to create bigger, meatier birds. This led to fake claims that the company's rebranding from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC was legally required because they weren't actually serving up chicken. KFC insist their chicken is very much real.

Did KFC close in Algeria? ›

Brands has previously invested in Israeli startups, including marketing platform company Tictuk Technologies in 2021. Days after launching, the store closed its doors and Algerian authorities removed KFC signage, including the classic Colonel Sanders logo, from the building. It has since reopened for business.

What is the ceasefire proposal in Algeria? ›

Algeria, the only Arab representative in the current makeup of the Security Council, drafted and circulated the one-page resolution, which says that “Israel, the occupying Power, shall immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in Rafah.” It calls for “an immediate cease-fire respected by all parties ...

What two controversial regions does Israel control after the Six Day war? ›

Israel took control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the Egyptian and Jordanian armies retreated. The Sinai Peninsula was among other territories captured by Israel in the war that were not claimed by the Palestinians.

Who owns KFC? ›

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