What’s Leatherhead got in common with Bournemouth ? The KFC has abruptly closed due to the franchisee going into administration – and the branch not being included in a sale to another franchisee as a going concern.
See local media in other counties
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/three-kent-kfc-branches-permanently-closed-308949/
Other branches indefinitely closed including Maidstone, Christchurch, Dover and New Milton. These along with Leatherhead are among those not transferred to another KFC franchisee and do appear to be permanently closed.
What’s clear is the issue is by no means related to Leatherhead but the wider trading position of a franchisee across a large number of branches.
The administrator for the various franchise companies is leading corporate rescue specialist Begbies Traynor Group. Who have a lot of expertise across many sectors. But crucially they have specialism in franchise liquidation https://www.begbies-traynorgroup.com/creditors-voluntary-liquidation-cvl/how-to-liquidate-a-company-when-in-a-franchise-agreement
The franchise model is very common in the fast food sector, and rather like a pub tenancy, sometimes it is taken over as a going concern or the parent company take over management on an interim basis. Something similar happened with Preto in the same premises, which did not reopen.
For those needing their fried chicken fix in Leatherhead, as well as the Royal Chicken shop in North Street, we also now have 5C at The Parade Kingston Road next to the pharmacy.
Thanks to Ann Clark for the pictures.
Leatherhead Living 