Remodeling project underway at KFC in Pahrump

A remodeling project at a popular fast food outlet is ruffling the feathers of a few regular customers as of late.

Pahrump’s Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, at 1540 Highway 372 is now undergoing what’s known as an “image enhancement” project.

Area Manager Steve Utley said that although the new endeavor has temporarily forced the closure of the business’ walk-in lobby for the next few weeks, the drive-thru will remain open during regular business hours for customers.

Unfortunately, due to safety purposes, no walk-up orders can be taken in the drive-thru lane.

The project, which began on Tuesday, March 13, is expected to be completed by Friday, April 6.

“In our dining room, we are installing a new lobby area with a new ceiling and walls,” Utley said. “It’s a whole lobby decor package, with a new color scheme, and KFC-themed signage outside. We are changing the seating. We will have new LED lighting instead of the fluorescent lights, so it saves energy. We will also have exterior LED lighting. It’s going to look really nice once it’s done.”

KFC Manager Melissa Smith noted that quite a few concerned customers have inquired about whether the business is actually shutting down.

“Even though our lobby and dining room is closed, our customers can still use the drive-thru to place their orders,” she said. “We’re putting more people on the drive-through station to keep it going, and we’re telling our customers that we regret the inconvenience.”

Utley, meanwhile said the Pahrump KFC location is one of several stores receiving image enhancement.

“We just completed our Bullhead City store,” he said. “Obviously we are now in the process of this latest one and then the next store will be the one in Mesquite. When everything is said and done, our customers can look forward to what is basically a brand new KFC business.”

Earlier this year, some KFC businesses across the pond ran afoul of customers when an actual shortage of chicken made world headlines.

As a response to angry customers, the fast-food chain ran a full-page ad in British newspapers issuing an apology for shutting down hundreds of restaurants last month because it ran out of chicken.

Utley said Pahrump customers need not get their feathers ruffled about a similar situation occurring locally.

“That was an issue overseas with the delivery company,” he said. “I just want to make clear that we are not running out of chicken. They were out of chicken for about a week over there, but there’s no need to worry about that here because we have plenty of supplies.”

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes