Are the free meals provided by the manager of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant to my father, in return for services my father rendered to him, considered unlawful (haram), and is my father thereby considered both a briber and one who takes bribes?

The employee in a hospital or restaurant is a private employee, and it is not permissible for him to take anything or dispose of a gift from his employer's property without the latter's permission. Otherwise, he would be betraying the trust.

If what the father spends on medicine for his friend, or what the restaurant manager disposes of, is authorized, or if he pays for it, then there is no harm in it, and it is considered a permissible gift.

However, if the employee is not authorized to dispose of the food or medicine under his care, then he may not take anything unless he pays for it. Whatever is taken without permission remains his liability until he repays it or the responsible party absolves him. It is not permissible to accept what is given in this case, and paying its price is obligatory.