Pakistan militants target KFC outlets
Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants have been targeted by Pakistanis venting anger at America's military action in neighbouring Afghanistan.
During a general strike, protesters broke into a Karachi KFC last Friday (12 October), smashing cash registers, furniture and televisions. Rafiq Rangoonwala, chief executive of the franchise holder Cupola Pakistan, said: "They broke everything breakable."
The restaurant was the second KFC in Karachi to be ransacked this month. Both restaurants were closed at the time of the attacks and nobody was hurt. There are 12 KFC outlets in the city.
Rangoonwala said the cost of the damage was about $200,000 (£138,644) and the company was anticipating a hike in insurance premiums as Kupola's insurers voiced concern over the claims.
He said turnover was 20% down: "There is a fear of nuisance. Every Tom, Dick and Harry is calling strikes, the roads are blocked. Hooligans are throwing stones and smashing windows. Although sporadic, they are keeping people away from the restaurants."
Kupola operates 18 KFCs, one TGI Friday's and one Pizza Express in Pakistan.
KFC restaurants are aimed at Pakistanis with middle and above average incomes. An average meal costs 100 PKR (£1.11) and the average monthly salary is 10,000 PKR (£111.89).
