Families looking forward to their favorite fast food meal after work today were disappointed to discover “CLOSED” signs on the door.

According to a post on the Loves Park Neighborhood Watch Group’s Facebook page, at least four KFC restaurants have permanently closed their doors.

A letter posted on the door of the KFC branch on the corner of Auburn and Kilburn Streets was headed “CLOSED” and contained the following statement to customers:

We would like to take a moment to express our sincere thanks for your loyal support over the years. It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our store. We understand that this news comes as a surprise, but we believe it is the right decision for us at this time. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued patience and understanding during this transition period. Your support has meant the world to us and we are truly grateful for all the memories we have shared with you. Sincerely,

According to social media reports, the following KFC locations in Illinois have now closed:

• Auburn and Kilburn, Rockford
• 11th Street and Barnum, Rockford
• 173 and West Lane, Machesney Park
• North West Street, Belvidere

A post by a former employee on the Machesney Park Neighborhood Watch Facebook page also confirmed the four KFC closures in the Rockford area.

What is the closest KFC to Rockford that is still open?

A call to KFC in Elgin, Illinois around 10 p.m. was answered by employees who said their location was still open but would close for the night at 10:30 p.m.

Hopefully they will still be open tomorrow (Tuesday).

According to a report by Central Illinois Proud, two KFC locations in southern Illinois were also closed.