KFC returns to Belgium after a 40 year absence

After a 40 year absence, Kentucky Fried Chicken is back in Belgium. This time, the chain has great ambitions and plans to open 150 establishments across the country, with the first one opening its doors this Wednesday at the Gare du Nord in Brussels.

Today, there are more than 23,000 KFC outlets located in 119 countries and territories around the world.

For the inauguration, a long line of customers appeared in front of the restaurant’s entrance. “KFC does have a history in Belgium, but it’s been a very, very long time since we’ve had a restaurant here. In the meantime, consumer habits have changed and I think KFC has a real future in Belgium,” explains the manager of Autogrill, who won the franchise for this first restaurant. “Gare du Nord is the best place to start,” he adds.

But where does the chicken come from?

Regarding the conditions of the chicken sold to KFC, the brand managers have tried to assure concerned customers and activists that they meet strict criteria for animal protection. “We work in collaboration with our Dutch suppliers and ensure that they meet our food safety and animal welfare criteria,” the chain said in a statement.

The company also works with the World Animal Protection Association to help it evaluate and best meet these criteria.