KFC and Pizza Hut Set to Return to Turkey After 4-Month Closure
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American fast food giant Yum! Brands is preparing a comeback in the Turkish market after a four-month hiatus, during which 537 KFC and Pizza Hut locations remained shuttered. The company has signed a new agreement with real estate and investment management firm Value Solution Partners, and talks have begun with key mall investors to reopen outlets.
Franchise Termination Led to Widespread Closures
Earlier this year, Yum! Brands terminated its franchise agreement with İş Gıda, its Turkish partner, citing the company’s failure to meet operational standards. The decision triggered İş Gıda’s filing for concordato (a form of bankruptcy protection in Turkey), leading to the closure of hundreds of locations across the country.
Before the closures, KFC and Pizza Hut stores were present in approximately 90% of Turkish shopping malls, making the shutdown one of the largest operational freezes in the country’s fast food sector.
Yum! Brands Eyes Direct Control in Turkey
According to a report by Patronlar Dünyası journalist Necla Dalan, Yum! Brands now plans to operate directly in Turkey through its newly appointed partner, Value Solution Partners.
The firm has initiated talks with mall property owners to renegotiate lease terms and reopen stores. While progress has been made for a limited number of locations, most investors have yet to agree. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that many landlords are demanding back rent payments and higher rental rates before approving new contracts.
Shopping Mall Losses Estimated at ₺80 Million Monthly
Industry insiders estimate that İş Gıda had not paid rent for 3–4 months prior to shuttering operations. The closures are believed to have cost shopping center owners roughly ₺80 million per month, based on an average ₺150,000 monthly rent per store.
McDonald’s and TAB Gıda Deny Acquisition Rumors
Amid speculation of a possible acquisition, McDonald’s officials have confirmed that they have no plans to purchase KFC or Pizza Hut in Turkey.
At TAB Gıda’s recent shareholder meeting, a question was raised regarding whether the closure of Yum! Brands locations might create opportunities for TAB Gıda to gain market share. According to the filing submitted to Turkey’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the company responded:
“We would like to clarify that acquiring these brands is not part of our strategic plans.”
Despite this official stance, sources within the retail property sector claim that TAB Gıda’s fried chicken chain Popeyes is closely monitoring the situation and may be interested in taking over some of KFC’s former locations.
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