KFC Canada poised for strong, continued growth through 2020

VAUGHAN, ON, Feb. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - KFC Canada today announced that Franchise Management Inc. (FMI), acquired Saskatchewan-based El-Rancho Food Services Limited (El-Rancho). The sale includes all of El-Rancho's 21 KFC assets throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba and brings FMI's total Canadian KFC restaurants to 85. FMI also operates KFC restaurants in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ontario.

In addition to the sale, FMI has committed to opening 12 new KFC units by 2020, including nine assets in Atlantic Canada, two in Saskatchewan and one in Ontario. This acquisition solidifies FMI as one of KFC Canada's largest franchisees and helps the Brand unlock further growth from coast-to-coast.

"2017 was an incredible year for KFC Canada," said Nivera Wallani, General Manager, KFC Canada. "FMI is one of our leading franchisees, and their vast capabilities and commitment to growth make them a valuable partner as we seek to become a 1,000-restaurant brand in Canada. We look forward to growing our partnership with FMI."

"FMI is eager to bring its expertise to KFC in Saskatchewan. El-Rancho's restaurants are among the best run in the KFC community and we're extremely proud to carry on their tradition of operational excellence," said Greg Walton, Operating Partner, FMI. "FMI believes the KFC Brand is poised for continued growth across Canada including Saskatchewan. We are truly excited and honoured to add these restaurants to our growing family. We thank the Young Family for a job well done and welcome their staff to our team."

In 1955, El-Rancho opened Canada's first-ever KFC on 8th Street in Saskatoon, which Colonel Sanders himself sealed with a handshake. Since then, El Rancho has become a staple in the province of Saskatchewan, delivering consistent growth for KFC over the last 63 years.

"After over 60 years of serving Kentucky Fried Chicken, we would like to thank our many customers and team members for the privilege of being part of their communities," said Ron Young, Partner, El-Rancho. "We've met many incredible people over the years and it has been an honour to contribute to the growth of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. We wish FMI continued success in these great Provinces."

"To the entire El-Rancho team, and particularly the Young family, thank you for your lifetime of service and dedication to helping build the KFC Brand in Canada," said Wallani. "We owe a great deal of our success to you."

For more information on KFC franchising opportunities, visit www.kfc.ca/franchise  

About KFC
Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952, KFC is now the world's most popular chain of chicken restaurants. To this day, the Colonel's own blend of 11 herbs and spices is still used to season our chicken and remains a very closely guarded secret. KFC's specialty is our famous, freshly-prepared Original Recipe® chicken, made the Colonel's Way. KFC Canada continues to bring a modern approach to serving its customers, including online delivery capabilities.

Today KFC is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands Inc. and operates more than 20,000 restaurants in 125 countries around the world including more than 600 locations right here in Canada.

To learn more about KFC Canada, visit our website www.kfc.ca

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About FMI Canada 
Franchise Management Inc. (FMI) is one of the largest restaurant operators in North America with Pizza Hut, KFC, Panera Bread, Taco Bell and Robin's locations. FMI also owns and operates Grab N Go Convenience Stores in Atlantic Canada. FMI is proud to employ over 5,000 employees throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Mississippi. All operations are based at the FMI Support Center in Woodstock, New Brunswick. Visit www.fmigroup.ca for more information.

SOURCE KFC Canada

For further information: Media Contacts: Alex Thomas, KFC Canada, Alex.Thomas2@yum.com; Matthew Leech, FMI Group, Matthew.Leech@fmigroup.ca