Scotts Valley’s one-stop-shop for all things chicken, closed last week amid little fanfare. Kentucky Fried Chicken on Mount Hermon Road removed its signs and locked its doors early last week. A “For Lease” sign is displayed in front of the store along Mount Hermon Road.
The franchised fast-food chicken chain had operated in Scotts Valley since 1974 when Nick Iuliano, a well-known businessman in the area, opened the store.
The store was remodeled within the last several years, but apparently was not profitable enough to keep open.
According to City of Scotts Valley records, Wall Management, Inc. in San Jose took ownership of the store in 2001.
Records from the United States Bankruptcy Division in San Jose show the management company appeared to be in Chapter 11 bankruptcy as of March 2010 with more than $1.9 million in debt, including more than $335,000 to Iuliano and $48,000 to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Iuliano appears to own the building and has put it up for lease.
The store, located on Mount Hermon Road was the only KFC in the valley. There are other franchised KFC’s in Capitola and Aptos. A store on Mission Street in Santa Cruz closed more than a year ago.
