A planned soft launch turned into a “run on the restaurant” as word got around the island that KFC had reopened, according to the franchise.

The Queen Street business closed at the beginning of the year for a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and reopened on July 30.

“We have had an overwhelming response from our customers to KFC’s reopening,” a spokesman said.

“While we hoped to undertake a soft launch period for final refurbishment elements to be completed and our staff to get used to the new layout and new systems, our customers had other ideas as word of mouth led to a run on the restaurant from the first hour of reopening.”

He added: “While the love and support we’ve received from our customers along with significant sales are greatly appreciated, the volume of business at certain times has presented logistical challenges with maintaining sufficient inventory and fulfilling orders as quickly as we would like.

“For the most part though, our customers have been very understanding and supportive as staff are undergoing a large learning curve and working incredibly hard to deliver tasty and affordable meals as quickly as possible.”

The restaurant was closed for almost seven months as the building underwent “comprehensive refurbishment”, including the repair or replacement of several major structural elements, updating of almost all electrical and mechanical systems and a reconfiguration to “improve operational efficiency”.

The spokesman said that in addition, the customer reception areas and dining rooms were renovated to meet present KFC brand standards for decor and that restaurant equipment was upgraded or replaced.

“The introduction of new customer kiosks will allow customers to avoid ordering lines and self-enter their order for most menu items to improve speed and accuracy and also provide the option to receive e-mailed receipts.

“The refurbishment project was a multimillion-dollar investment by KFC Operations Ltd, the local company operating the Bermuda KFC franchise, for premise upgrades, equipment and technology upgrades and operational carrying costs over a prolonged closure period including financial support to our employees throughout the closure period.

“KFC’s present focus is completing final elements of the refurbishment project and realising operational efficiencies to both improve customer experience and provide a return on shareholder investment.

“In due course, we hope to reintroduce enhanced online ordering functionality.”

He added: “So far, all comments we have received on the new look have been very positive.

“After a lengthy, expensive, and at times difficult upgrade process, it is encouraging to hear from customers that they appreciate the upgrades we’ve implemented.”