Kentucky Fried Chicken sizzles in Fallujah
Would you believe me if I were to tell you, even with everything that is going on in Iraq, that Iraqis can still enjoy a deep-fried southern chicken - colonel style? Well, it's true! Marines from Regimental Combat Team 1 have been closely observing local proprietorships, with one of them just so happening to be a Kentucky Fried Chicken here in the City of Fallujah. Marines regularly stop in to see how business is doing... and order some of that famous original recipe while doing so. Here is Cpl. Mann reporting more on this unique story.
Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann
FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 16, 2008) – Only a short time ago the city of Fallujah served as stronghold for insurgents. Daily skirmishes, improvised explosive device detonations and public unease made operating a business in the city very difficult.
Today, with improved security throughout the region, the low price of 4,000 dinar, or $3.50, will purchase a full meal at the recently established Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Hey Al Dubat area of the city.
The KFC is the first to open for business in the city. Before improved conditions in the city, insurgents threatened business owners, demanding money to support acts of terrorism.
After a quick visit to the Fallujah Business Center during routine operations July 16, Marines with Regimental Combat Team 1’s Security Platoon and with Information Operations talked with employees at the franchise to evaluate its success.
“We stopped to check up on the KFC to see how things were going,” said 1st Lt. Michael C. Bryant, platoon commander with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, RCT 1. ”You can tell that the area is returning to normal, especially when you see fast food places in the area doing so well.”
The restaurant has several employees, and three that work full time. Employees there serve an average 25 customers per day.
The Marines often take time to assess economic progress and gauge community activities during missions in the city.
After several short conversations with employees and patrons, the Marines ordered food to take back to Camp Fallujah for lunch.
“I think it is awesome to see a business doing so well in Fallujah and not have to worry about safety or corruption,” said Bryant, a 25-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colo.
Security over the past several years has reached an all-time high in Fallujah and many of the surrounding areas. The increase can be accredited to Coalition forces conducting patrols and security missions, as well as Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army retaking control of a majority of the Anbar region.
“I remember when I was here last in July 2004 and things were much different than they are now,” said Sgt. Steve J. Arnoux, a 25-year-old vehicle commander from Browning, Mont. “When we would go out on convoys in the city, the attitude was a lot different. It seemed like we were just waiting to get ambushed. Now we stop at KFC.”
Citizens of the area can now work steady jobs, where as prior conditions kept many from even coming to work on a daily basis.
“I love the work here, because we have the opportunity to go to work every day,” said a KFC employee.
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It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood.
KFC in Fallujah
KFC in Fallujah
But I am afraid I won't feel truly safe in Fallujah until there is a Maccas on one corner, a Doughnut King on another, Starbucks on the opposite corner and of course the already embedded KFC. Then there will have to be a Burger King and Pizza Hut located in the next block, along with Walmart. Once the huge shopping mall full of American franchises is up and running, then I will know that the Iraqi occupation has been totally successful. Ain't real progress just swell. Yes that paragraph was sarcasm
Sorry but not all of us see American fast food franchises in any country as progress - my own country included, that being Australia.
I was sent this post to comment on, I was not aware that in order to post a comment that my comment had to conform to a set standard - that being everyone must totally agree on the post.
I acknowledged in my opening remark that it was great to see businesses flourishing in Fallujah and also acknowledged those responsible for making it possible.
Perhaps I would have preferred an article which didn't in the main focus on an American franchise, but instead focused on some of the other businesses flourishing in the area. An article which also included Marines frequenting those shops as a gesture of goodwill. Perhaps there have been other articles and I have missed them, which is possible given I have been away from Vox for some time.
In all honesty you cannot believe that every Iraqi is happy to see a KFC in Fallujah - Many would see it as a sign of Western occupation.
As for me citing the other American franchises, well I don't think I have actually said anything inaccurate in that statement. The fact is if all of those American franchises could survive in down town Fallujah - then Fallujah would be a very safe place indeed.