KFC branch in Beaver Road, Ashford, to remain open just weeks after restaurants in Dover, Maidstone and Crayford permanently closed

A fast-food chain has dispelled rumours one of its Kent restaurants is to close.

KFC's branch in Beaver Road, one of three sites in Ashford, faced uncertainty following a recent sign being put up in its front window.

It told customers the eatery’s franchisee, Caskade Caterers, had entered into administration.

Joint administrators for the store- Begbies Traynor and FRP Advisory Trading- were subsequently appointed.

The development left customers concerned about the future of the restaurant, which has been trading in Beaver Road for decades.

One person said on social media: "It's been a KFC for as long as I can remember."

Another resident commented: "Must have been [there] in the 1960s - first one I ever knew.

"I bought a meal there when it first opened to see what it was all about."

However, the branch has since been acquired by Supercharger Restaurants - an entity under the control of the Adil Group who continue to operate the majority of the company’s former franchised restaurants.

A spokesperson for Begbies said the sale was secured "through a pre-packaged administration process".

They explained: "We can confirm the successful sale of 40 branches previously operated by a single KFC franchisee to Adil Group.

“The sale to the new owners is a positive outcome for the majority of branches and employees within the portfolio.

“Adil Group has been a successful KFC franchisee for more than 20 years [and] currently operates 73 KFC restaurants across the UK.

“It will provide the former Caskade KFC branches with a sound financial footing for the future.”

Last month, three KFC branches in Kent permanently closed due to Caskade entering into administration.

The company's restaurants in Market Square, Dover, in The Mall in Maidstone and in Roman Way, Crayford, all shut.

Speaking shortly after their closures, a KFC spokesperson said: “We’re constantly reviewing our portfolio of over 1,000 restaurants and from time to time we have to close restaurants. A handful of restaurants across Kent have recently been closed.

“These restaurants are all located within a few minutes’ walk or short drive away from an existing KFC restaurant, meaning customers will still be able to purchase our famous fried chicken. Please check out our website to find your nearest restaurant.”