2025 The closure of all KFC branches in Turkey
The American company KFC, one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, has shut down all 537 of its branches in Turkey due to the bankruptcy of its local operator, İş Gıda. This closure has resulted in more than 7,000 people losing their jobs and has been recorded as one of the largest commercial exits in Turkey. Reports indicate that financial difficulties, heavy debts, and the impact of the boycott movement in support of Palestine were among the main factors behind this event.
İş Gıda, which had held the franchise rights for KFC and Pizza Hut in Turkey since 2020, declared bankruptcy on February 7, 2025 (18 Bahman 1403). The company’s debt had reached 77 billion Turkish lira (approximately 214 million dollars). CEO İlkem Şahin stated that high debts and asset seizures by banks led to this crisis. Employee salaries were paid until the end of December 2024, but the January wages remained unpaid, triggering widespread protests in Istanbul.
The boycott movement against Western brands in Turkey, which emerged in response to the Gaza war, was a significant factor in the decline of KFC sales. Since 2023 (Mehr 1402), this movement intensified, and according to reports, KFC sales in Turkey dropped by up to 40%.
KFC, owned by Yum! Brands, along with brands such as McDonald’s and Starbucks, has faced protests and boycotts due to allegations of indirect support for Israel or silence regarding regional developments.
This movement was not limited to Turkey. In Malaysia, KFC closed more than 100 branches in 2024 due to ongoing boycotts. In Pakistan, there were intense protests against the brand.
Yum! Brands has not yet made a decision regarding its return to the Turkish market. However, experts suggest that negotiations to find a new operator may take months. This event highlights that boycott movements can have significant economic impacts on Western brands in Islamic countries.
