A former manager of a Taco Bell restaurant in Puerto Rico turned to social media, under the handle Andel.pr, to call for empathy toward the chain’s employees after the fast-food franchise announced it is closing operations on the island. In a video, he said it is not the time to treat the situation as a joke or mock those now unemployed, since like any citizen they have financial obligations to meet.
"Remember that we have rent to pay, phone, car, we have many debts just like any human being," he said. On Monday, the fast-food chains Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Taco Bell announced that their restaurants in Puerto Rico are closing operations after ending their commercial relationship with the local franchisee Encanto Restaurants. Following the announcement, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) reported it will offer assistance services to the employees affected by the closure, after starting conversations with Encanto Restaurants to coordinate the aid.