What the cameras weren’t allowed to capture. Behind the scenes of chicken preparation at KFC

REPORT: The fast food chain KFC made the Czech Republic remember the old days when opening a new fast food was a historic event. The Czechs did not know about Kentucky chicken or McDonald’s in those days, so the media was very interested in their arrival. The same thing happens again in November 2024.

PrahaIN.cz already reported last week that KFC wants to open a new branch on Wenceslas Square. The first flagship restaurant of its kind, fast food producers said.

Another KFC branch is located about 200 meters away. It was not known why another fast food restaurant was opening in these places. A media embargo has been placed on all information. And that was until they were presented to journalists, which happened on Wednesday morning.

Like in the nineties

Our editors were surprised by the huge media interest immediately after their arrival. Even before the start of the whole event, there could be two dozen representatives from the media, including Czech public television.

The cameramen filmed the modern interior of the newest KFC on Wenceslas Square, which has two floors and is the largest fast food restaurant in the Czech Republic with an area of ​​766 square meters and 152 seats.

“Beautiful. Beautiful,” praised one of the journalists inside the new fast food. It is really modern and looks completely different from other branches. This is due to the brand designation , which KFC on Wenceslas Square can be proud of as the only one in Europe.

“It’s a global concept. This is the first and only major flag in Europe. There are four in the world, one in Singapore and three in America. It is worth a lot of effort,” explained KFC director for the Czech Republic Ivana Makalová Dlouhá. It is said that certain criteria are essential for this designation. In addition to the unique location, the design and various special features for stability.

Makalová Dlouhá also gave a presentation on the chain’s history and presence in the Czech Republic. By the way, the domestic manager of KFC has a mistake. really. she handled the presentation for more than twenty minutes with clarity, she spoke in a written and natural way without any reading. However, it cannot be said that it would be something more interesting. It was more like a presentation for investors or sponsors. It is necessary to be aware of the quick response to journalists’ questions.

Backstage with strict photography ban

More interesting was the tour around the restaurant itself, including the background where the famous chickens are prepared. Our edit was done by Milan Krátký, Area Coach at AmRest. Even before entering the so-called staff room, where only meat is stored, we had to put on protective clothing, including a hair net, because of principles strict hygiene. It suited us, but we didn’t take selfies a lot. However, we could not take pictures of anything from the back, it was forbidden here.

We started at the refrigerator where the chicken goes. “Fresh chilled meat comes to us four times a week direct from the supplier. As soon as it arrives, we stock it immediately. Hygiene standards are very strict,” said Krátký.

From there we went to another room where the meat is marinated. The largest KFC in the Czech Republic will have two marinating machines. “An employee takes the meat and marinates it. It will take about ten to fifteen minutes.”

And we could see with our own eyes the work that goes into making sandwiches. It all starts with wrapping the chicken in an unusual breadcrumb and then frying it in the kitchen. “The heart of the restaurant. This is where the most important thing comes into play. From the refrigerator, the marinated meat comes into the hands of the chef, who works on the folding table, which is divided into hot and non-hot. And then it goes into the refrigerator. We have open and pressure ones,” explained Milan Krátký.

Only then the final assembly of sandwiches or tortillas takes place, this is called service, and the customer can partially see it with his own eyes while waiting for his food . Someone may have appeared directly at the store in the past and worked part-time in a similar line. Who can not imagine. It’s not easy and it’s very hot here. And of course the idea that strangers (journalists) are watching you in the kitchen while you prepare, like in a museum, is not pleasant either. “Everything has a place here. Labels are everywhere, mayonnaise is supposed to be here, ketchup is supposed to be here, so that employees don’t have to keep looking for something and waste time,” the KFC representative continued.

At the end, there was a celebration. And no one will be surprised that it consisted of all kinds of American fast food. Food disappeared at the speed of the bullets. However, it increased even faster, and thanks to hungry journalists, the workers were preparing at the same time for the sharp start of operations. It should happen on Thursday around lunchtime.