KFC has opened an outlet in Burma, the first major western fast-food chain to launch in the once-isolated country that was ruled by the military for nearly half a century.
Crowds pushed into the restaurant at lunchtime on Tuesday to eat fried on-the-bone chicken and spicy “Zinger” burgers. As the counters were overburdened with orders, security guards closed the glass doors and customers waited outside, holding umbrellas in the tropical rain.
KFC is now able to operate in the former capital of Rangoon after the US lifted sanctions in 2012 following moves towards a partially civilian government.
President Thein Sein’s administration has eased censorship laws and released political prisoners, although local and international rights groups say many of the changes are superficial.
Burma, once empty of western brands, is slowly opening to the outside world. Its small teashops sprawling on to the pavements are now joined by Asian franchises. Modern air-conditioned malls have also been built.
Yoma Strategic Holdings, KFC’s franchise partner in Burma, said in a statement the chain would seat 240 people in central Rangoon. It said it hoped to open several more outlets in the city before the end of the year.
KFC runs more than 19,400 restaurants in 120 countries worldwide and makes $23bn (£14.6bn) in global sales.
Yoma Strategic Holdings is an investment company based in Singapore. Its business interests in Burma include tourism, property and agriculture.
