In a significant update, KFC has announced plans to open 500 new restaurants across the United Kingdom and Ireland over the next decade. The expansion forms part of a broader £1.49 billion investment strategy, which also includes major upgrades to existing sites and the creation of more than 7,000 new jobs.
Investment Breakdown: New Builds, Jobs & Supplier Ecosystem
Of the total £1.49 billion investment:
- £466 million is earmarked for the development of new outlets across both urban and suburban areas.
- £583 million will be spent on job creation, with hiring efforts spanning frontline staff, managers, and support roles.
- £404 million is set aside to strengthen KFC’s supplier network, particularly in poultry, logistics, and sustainability-focused innovation.
This expansion will also see over 200 existing restaurants (roughly 20% of the current estate) upgraded with modernised layouts, digital ordering solutions, and improved back-of-house efficiencies.
Drive-Thrus & Flexible Formats Take Centre Stage
With consumer preference continuing to tilt toward speed and convenience, drive-thru formats will be central to KFC’s expansion strategy. The brand plans to aggressively pursue real estate conversions and greenfield sites in areas underserved by fast food, particularly in North West England and across Ireland, where growth potential is high.
Smaller, delivery-first kitchens and high-footfall urban locations are also in the pipeline, allowing KFC to stay agile amid changing consumer behaviours and a rapidly digitising foodservice landscape.
Tech and Sustainability Integration
A key pillar of the rollout is the integration of digital-first customer experiences—from click-and-collect kiosks and predictive ordering systems to app-first loyalty models.
On the sustainability front, KFC reaffirmed its goal of using 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by the end of 2025. New stores will incorporate low-energy appliances, solar panels, and greener construction materials as part of the brand’s global ESG mandate.
What This Means for the QSR Industry
KFC’s expansion strategy underscores a larger industry trend: multi-format, franchise-led growth that leverages real estate shifts post-COVID and a surge in digital ordering. For restaurant groups and operators, the move marks an inflection point where traditional QSR models are being reshaped to combine physical scalability with technological intelligence.
Industry experts view this as a smart recalibration.
Competitive Landscape Heats Up
KFC’s investment comes at a time when the U.K.’s fried chicken market—valued at £3.1 billion—is becoming increasingly competitive. Rivals like Popeyes and Wingstop are also ramping up their presence with aggressive expansion and bold branding strategies. However, with over 1,000 stores already in operation, KFC retains a significant head start and brand equity in the market.
