KFC Franchisee sues landlord

The operator of the KFC restaurant franchise is suing one of its landlords claiming there has been a failure to maintain and repair its drive-through premises in Galway city, the Commercial Court heard.

MBCC Foods (Ireland) Ltd, which operates 11 KFC restaurants, as well as Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut outlets, is suing Nun’s Island Ltd, the Jersey-based landlord of the premises at Briarhill Shopping Centre, Ballybrit. Nun’s Island denies MBCC’s claims.

The case was entered into the Commercial Court on Monday by Mr Justice Denis McDonald on the application of Rossa Fanning SC, for the defendant.

Mr Fanning said the dispute began in the pandemic in 2020 when MBCC began withholding rent. The action for breach of covenant of the lease, Mr Fanning said, has “no substance”.

Jonathan Fitzgerald BL, for MBCC, said the entry application was on consent.

In its statement of claim, MBCC says, among other things, the defendant has failed to carry out repairs and maintenance, apart from what it says were some minor repairs and repainting.

Posted: 14/12/2021 09:11