KFC announces £1.5billion expansion plans to open 500 more restaurants in the next decade as demand for fried chicken surges
KFC has announced plans to invest nearly £1.5 billion into its UK and Ireland chain by opening 500 more restaurants in the next ten years, as it said demand for fried chicken is stronger than it's ever been.
The fast-food giant said the expansion is expected to create 7,000 new jobs.
KFC's plans form part of new growth ambitions as the chain looks to expand its reach across the nation and put money into its existing locations.
It is set to spend about £466 million on opening new restaurants, with a focus on building flagship sites and drive-thrus in places like Ireland and the North West of England where it can tap into growing demand.
The cash will also go toward upgrading more than 200 existing restaurants, representing about a fifth of its entire chain, with a new design and the latest digital features.
KFC says on its website that it is offering up to a £20,000 'finder's fee' to landlords and property experts who introduce a site it can build on.
The expansion will result in about 7,000 new jobs being created across the UK and Ireland business and its supply chain, over the next five years, according to the group.
This will include jobs in restaurants and as managers, kitchen-based jobs, and a newly-created 'guest experience' role across the chain.
It currently has more than 1,000 restaurants in the UK and Ireland and hires about 30,000 staff.
Investment is also earmarked for KFC's suppliers, including spending on fresh chicken, gravy, and salads.
Rob Swain, KFC UK and Ireland's general manager, said: 'We've been serving customers in the UK for 60 years now, but we've never seen such strong demand for freshly prepared, fried chicken as we're seeing today.'
He added that the company was 'doubling down' on its commitment to the UK and Ireland with its £1.49 billion total investment.
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