SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — All KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in Puerto Rico have temporarily closed after Yum! Brands ended its relationship with an island-based operator, officials announced Monday.
Both restaurants posted brief statements accusing local franchisee Encanto Restaurants of failing to meet quality standards.
KFC Puerto Rico and Taco Bell Puerto Rico said they are working to find a new franchise partner.
“We hope to be able to serve you again very soon,” KFC Puerto Rico wrote on Instagram.
Neither Kentucky-based Yum! Brands nor Encanto Restaurants returned messages seeking comment.
Puerto Rico’s first KFC restaurant opened in 1967, while Encanto Restaurants began operating Taco Bell in 1985, according to the company.
Encanto Restaurants also operates Pizza Hut and IHOP restaurants in the U.S. territory. Overall, it operates 180 restaurants on the island and employs more than 3,000 people.