KFC brings fast food to famed Italian ski slopes as proud locals revolt
Colonel Sanders is getting a frosty reception in the Italian Alps as KFC prepares to open restaurants in two upscale ski towns, sparking backlash from those determined to preserve the mountain villages' character and traditions.The Kentucky-founded fast-food giant is set to reach new heights on Dec.5, when two restaurants will open on the slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo, a southern Dolomite resort village, and Madonna di Campiglio, an Alpine town in the Trentino region of northern Italy.The move makes KFC the first fast-food company to operate on Italian ski trails.KFC UNVEILS RADICALLY DIFFERENT RESTAURANT IN MAJOR COMEBACK PUSHThe Cortina d'Ampezzo location will be inside the Faloria Mountain Club, situated at an altitude of 2,123 meters, while the outlet in Madonna di Campiglio will be in the Piana di Nambino area at an elevation of 1,700 meters, The Guardian reported.KFC plans to open two restaurants on the ski slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo, right, and Madonna di Campiglio this winter, sparking heated debate.
(iStock)Along with Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics.KFC has partnered with Super G, the company behind the après-ski bars at several Italian resorts, to launch the two new restaurants.WHY KFC STOPPED CALLING ITSELF KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN — AND THE MYTHS THAT STILL WON'T DIEReactions have been largely negative."KFC should stay where it belongs! Not in our nature!" one person wrote on Instagram, expressing disdain that the restaurants would be within a UNESCO World Heritage site.Cortina D'Ampezzo co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics along with Milan.(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)"In almost the entire Alpine region, it's now impossible to fly drones because they disturb the wildlife, and if I post my content on social media I attract inadequate and disrespectful people to the mountains," content creator Matteo Peroni said in a YouTube video."Does the smell of fried chicken not disrupt the wildlife and the balance that exists in the m...