A malware outbreak over the weekend impacted several popular restaurant chains in Canada and caused many to shutdown their operations.
In a media statement, Recipe Unlimited (TSX: RECP), which operates some of Canada’s favourite chain restaurants, said the malware attack impacted outlets such as Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Milestones, Kelseys, Montana's, Bier Markt, East Side Mario's and Prime Pubs. As a result, some locations have closed while others are offering reduced services such as no debit and credit card transactions.
Malware is malicious software created to damage or disable a computer system. Recipe Unlimited declined to offer further details about the attack on its nationwide computer system or specific numbers of restaurants impacted by the attack. Recipe Unlimited franchises and operates more than 1,000 restaurants in Canada.
But the malware outbreak led to a number of customer complaints on social media. Lando Fiore posted a photo on East Side Mario's Facebook site showing a sign, displayed at one of its restaurants outside Toronto. It stated that the restaurant was closed for the day because “the head office computer was hacked.”
People also voiced complaints on Swiss Chalet's Facebook site about slow service and difficulty ordering online. The roast chicken chain said repeatedly that "due to unforeseen circumstances, we are currently experiencing a system outage."
