For the last thirteen months I've proudly told friends, family, and visitors that Uganda doesn't have any U.S brands. Unlike KSA, where every other restaurant was a TGIF or Fuddrucker's or McDonald's, here is different. There are a few South African and Kenyan brands, but even the Nando's is fake.
I've thought this kind of cool - definitely the first place I've ever lived where this is the case. So when we heard that a KFC was opening up in the new mall near me, it was a mixed reaction. Sad that I can't say there are no U.S. brands here anymore while exhilarated at the thought of being able to sate any fast food cravings easily (despite the fact that I cannot even remember the last time I had KFC).
So the restaurant opened this past Monday. Yesterday a few friends and I ventured there to get take out for dinner. We were impressed. While it was crowded, the staff were smiling and attentive, repeating back the order and moving efficiently through the queue. We waited a while for our orders, but everyone there was in a jovial mood, so we had a good time talking with our new friends about Kampala's newest restaurant.
We finally received our orders (all correct on the first try) and headed home to feast while we watched British holiday classics. The chicken was familiar and fresh, the coleslaw reminiscent of little styrofoam cups from U.S. KFCs, and the mashed potatoes and gravy just as we remembered.
I probably won't frequent KFC here, but it's nice to know I can. Welcome, U.S. brands, to your newest market.
I've thought this kind of cool - definitely the first place I've ever lived where this is the case. So when we heard that a KFC was opening up in the new mall near me, it was a mixed reaction. Sad that I can't say there are no U.S. brands here anymore while exhilarated at the thought of being able to sate any fast food cravings easily (despite the fact that I cannot even remember the last time I had KFC).
So the restaurant opened this past Monday. Yesterday a few friends and I ventured there to get take out for dinner. We were impressed. While it was crowded, the staff were smiling and attentive, repeating back the order and moving efficiently through the queue. We waited a while for our orders, but everyone there was in a jovial mood, so we had a good time talking with our new friends about Kampala's newest restaurant.
We finally received our orders (all correct on the first try) and headed home to feast while we watched British holiday classics. The chicken was familiar and fresh, the coleslaw reminiscent of little styrofoam cups from U.S. KFCs, and the mashed potatoes and gravy just as we remembered.
I probably won't frequent KFC here, but it's nice to know I can. Welcome, U.S. brands, to your newest market.
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