KFC Opening First Branch in Tibet, Because Capitalism

Yum! Brands Inc has just announced that they will open a KFC in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa sometime next year, reports Reuters. The branch would be their first in Tibet.

KFC already has a shaky history with China amidst its recent food scandals, and an even shakier relationship with Tibet. The obesity-inducing fast food chain abruptly pulled plans to build a KFC in Tibet in 2004 when they decided it wasn’t “economically feasible.” At the time, the Dalai Lama also spoke out against the potential expansion, saying, "I have been particularly concerned with the sufferings of chickens for many years. I find it unacceptable that violence is the basis of some of our food habits.”

Despite these setbacks, KFC still boasts over 4,500 restaurants in China. Unhealthy sister brand Pizza Hut also has over 2,400 locations.

Perhaps the solution to tensions between China and Tibet has been a simple one all along – sharing a nice bucket of Colonel Sander’s finest KFC Original Recipe chicken.

[Image Via Wandering Weavers]