News

Soul Foods Group takes over 200-plus Canadian KFC units

June 1, 2011

Yum! Restaurants International, Canada and its KFC brand has announced that Soul Foods Group's affiliate Soul Restaurants Canada Inc. has taken over the management of 204 KFC restaurants in British Columbia and Ontario effective immediately.

The stores were operated by Priszm Income Fund, which has been grappling with financial difficulties for months and has closed 30 of its locations.

Soul Foods Group has more than 30 years experience with the KFC brand, operating more than 45 units in the United Kingdom. The company was named Yum! UK's franchisee of the year in 2010.

"The KFC Canada team is excited to welcome on-board like-minded partners who appreciate the appeal of the brand — and who, together with our existing franchise partners, understand the benefits of investment and innovation," said Sabir Sami, Yum! Restaurants International, Canada's president and general manager.

Sami said transition teams are ramping up to help Soul Canada accelerate improvements quickly.

"Canadian KFC fans can expect to see an aggressive renovation initiative, customer service upgrades and exciting, innovative new products," he said.