Three Kent branches of KFC have permanently closed after the franchise holders went into administration.

The fast food chain’s restaurants in Market Square, Dover, in The Mall in Maidstone and in Roman Way, Crayford, have all shut.

It comes after signs appeared at the entrance of the Crayford and Dover venues saying franchisees Caskade Caterers, Caskade 2020, Castlebarn and Grovemaze have entered into administration.

Begbies Traynor and FRP Advisory Trading have been appointed joint administrators.

The sign at the Dover branch says certain assets were sold to Supercharger South, Supercharger Central and Supercharger Restaurants, which continue to operate the majority of the company’s former franchised restaurants.

But it adds: “This restaurant was not included in the transfer to the purchasers and is closed indefinitely.”

This morning, a KFC spokesperson said: “We’re constantly reviewing our portfolio of over 1,000 restaurants and from time to time we have to close restaurants. A handful of restaurants across Kent have recently been closed.

“These restaurants are all located within a few minutes’ walk or short drive away from an existing KFC restaurant, meaning customers will still be able to purchase our famous fried chicken. Please check out our website to find your nearest restaurant.”

It is not yet known how many jobs will be impacted by the closures.

A spokesperson for administrators Begbies Traynor added: “We can confirm the successful sale of 40 branches previously operated by a single KFC franchisee to Adil Group.

“Working closely alongside KFC, Kirstie Provan, Gary Shankland and Robert Ferne of Begbies Traynor together with Anthony Wright of FRP Advisory, Joint Administrators in respect of Caskade Caterers Limited, Castlebarn Limited, Caskade 2020 Limited and Grovemaze Limited, secured the sale through a pre-packaged administration process, retaining over 900 dedicated staff,” they said.

“The sale to the new owners is a positive outcome for the majority of branches and employees within the portfolio. Adil Group has been a successful KFC franchisee for more than 20 years, currently operates 73 KFC restaurants across the UK, and will provide the former Caskade KFC branches with a sound financial footing for the future.”

Elsewhere in the UK, KFC outlets in New Milton and Christchurch suddenly shut their doors today after the franchise holder went into administration.

Signs were put up at the entrance to New Milton’s Station Road and Christchurch’s Barrack Road outlets saying four companies, including Caskade Caterers, had gone under.

On the Barrack Road outlet an additional notice stated that on the administrators’ appointment, some of the companies’ assets were sold to three firms which “continue to operate the majority” of the restaurants affected.

“This restaurant was not included in the transfer to the purchasers and is closed indefinitely,” it added.