A TAUNTON pizza restaurant and takeaway has confirmed it is “open and operating as usual” amid rumours about its closure.

Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to convert the existing Pizza Hut in Hankridge Way into a KFC restaurant and drive-thru.

Pizza Hut and KFC are both owned by Yum!, which also operates Taco Bell and US burger chain The Habit.

The Hankridge Way store is one of over 700 restaurants and delivery outlets Pizza Hut runs in the UK.

Fried chicken chain KFC has over 900 UK branches, including one in East Street, Taunton

Somerset County Gazette: KFC could open another branch - but Pizza Hut will continue to serve customers “until further notice”. Picture: Joe Giddens, PA WireKFC could open another branch - but Pizza Hut will continue to serve customers “until further notice”. Picture: Joe Giddens, PA Wire

A recent post in Facebook group Taunton Matters suggested that Pizza Hut's closure to make space for KFC could be imminent. 

The post, published on July 28, said: “I've just been told they're closing Pizza Hut in Hankridge Way in August and opening a KFC.”

The post also called for Pizza Hut's owners to “reconsider”, adding: “When I need a break, I come here and have nice conversations with the staff.”

The County Gazette contacted Pizza Hut to clarify the situation surrounding the future of the Hankridge Way site. 

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut Restaurants said: “We can confirm that our Pizza Hut Restaurant at Hankridge Way, Taunton, is open and operating as usual.

“We will remain open and continue to welcome customers until further notice.”

KFC did not respond to a request for a comment.


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