KFC is welcomed in Ayodhya, but it is restricted from selling non-vegetarian items in certain areas
KFC is welcomed in Ayodhya, but it is restricted from selling non-vegetarian items in certain areas
In a unique twist, the administration of Ayodhya has granted permission for the renowned American fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to establish outlets in the city. However, there’s a catch – within a 15 km radius around the Ram Temple, a restricted zone, KFC can only serve vegetarian items.
The decision aligns with the administration’s ban on the sale of liquor or non-vegetarian items in the pilgrimage circuit known as Panch Kosi Marg.
Ayodhya District Magistrate Nitish Kumar clarified the terms, stating that while KFC is welcome to open outlets in the city, they must adhere to the restrictions in the specified area.
Beyond the restricted zone, KFC can continue offering its signature non-vegetarian products. Similar restrictions are already in place in Haridwar, where food chains serving meat items are located outside city limits.
As Ayodhya emerges as a major pilgrimage center following the consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram, local businesses and international food chains are adjusting to changing dietary preferences.
Vishal Singh, a government official in Ayodhya, expressed the city’s openness to food chain outlets, emphasizing the sole condition that they refrain from serving non-vegetarian items within the Panch Kosi.
The transformed landscape has led businesses like Pizza Hut to adapt, with outlets offering an ‘all-veg’ menu in the restricted zone.
In contrast, Domino’s Pizza, strategically located near the Ram Mandir, reported a successful start, doing a business of around ₹5,000 on the first day. With ongoing construction work, businesses are optimistic about catering to the growing number of visitors in the future, acknowledging the evolving dynamics of Ayodhya’s culinary scene.
