Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A solemn launch of the KFC brand took place in Tashkent on 22 November, in which the deputy khokim of Tashkent, the head of Yum! Brands (KFC) and franchise partner - International Food Chain took part.

The chain’s management has indicated its intention to actively develop KFC in Uzbekistan, opening at least 25 restaurants in the coming years. The first KFC restaurant began operating in September in Tashkent, where until the end of 2018 there will already be 4 restaurants.

The company has reaffirmed its focus on providing the highest quality dishes, original, world-famous taste and the development of cooperation with local suppliers of products.

Uzbekistan will become an important destination for KFC expansion in the region: according to the development strategy, by 2020 the network is planned to expand to 1,000 restaurants in Russia and the CIS, where the brand is currently represented in 8 countries - Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine , Georgia and from September 2018 - in Uzbekistan.

“For the past few years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated steady growth in the economy and foreign investment, has actively attracted international brands, creating favorable conditions for doing business,” said Raisa Polyakova, KFC General Director in Russia and the CIS. “Economists are increasingly calling Uzbekistan the future development engine for the whole of Central Asia, and we are making big plans to expand our network in the country. In addition to Tashkent, we plan to go to Samarkand, Bukhara, the city of Fergana Valley and other regions, while maintaining the focus on providing excellent taste and quality of dishes, as well as impeccable service for our guests. ”

KFC priorities in Uzbekistan include the development of various restaurant formats - including Drive (serving motorists) and Fusion (restaurants with ticket offices and self-service kiosks), creating more than 2,000 jobs, developing local product suppliers and expanding cooperation with them. As in other countries, in Uzbekistan KFC will focus on the mass consumer, while maintaining the availability of high-quality and tasty dishes for people with different income levels.

“According to the experience of the first discoveries, we see that KFC enjoys great love among the people of Uzbekistan: we saw a real rush in the early days, but even now, after several months, the flow of guests remains steadily high,” said Qayum Khaydarov, General Director of the chain. - Uzbekistan is famous for its culinary traditions, as well as KFC is proud of its history and carefully keeps the corporate recipe of Colonel Sanders with 11 herbs and spices. We are sure that KFC will bring a new taste to the culinary palette of Uzbekistan and will become its harmonious element. We will make every effort so that each of our guests will appreciate the original KFC chicken dishes and service at the international level. ”

KFC intends to actively cooperate with local producers in the purchase of chicken meat and other products for restaurants, which will favorably affect the region’s economy and support the further development of local business. So far, at the initial stage, most products are imported from other CIS countries to ensure high-quality and uninterrupted operation of restaurants. The transition to local suppliers has already begun and will be implemented gradually, in compliance with the high quality and food safety standards adopted by the company.

All KFC restaurants in Uzbekistan will use only halal products, including chicken, French fries, sauces and other ingredients. KFC has a lot of experience in this matter, as the earlier halal menu was introduced in restaurants in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. At the same time, all restaurants will traditionally present a wide range of dishes from burgers and baskets to snacks and desserts, from different price categories.

The arrival of such a large international brand as KFC in Uzbekistan means not only the creation of new jobs, additional tax payments to the local budget, but also, in general, confirmation of the investment attractiveness of the country. In addition, all over the world, KFC actively participates in the life of local communities, develops a volunteer movement and programs to help poor people. In Uzbekistan, the brand team also intends to launch socially significant initiatives over time.