KFC is committing £1.5 billion to expand and modernise its operations across the UK and Ireland over the next decade, targeting long-term growth in the quick-service restaurant sector.
The investment includes plans to open 500 new restaurants, adding to the 1,000 outlets already in operation across the region. The fast food chain, which currently employs around 30,000 people, aims to create an additional 7,000 jobs as part of this expansion.
Alongside new openings, KFC will upgrade 200 existing restaurants with refreshed designs and enhanced digital capabilities, reflecting the changing expectations of consumers regarding in-store experiences and mobile ordering.
The move is part of a broader growth strategy amid rising demand for fast food, with the UK fried chicken market now estimated to be worth £3.1 billion. Yorkshire is among the areas identified for new openings, presenting supply chain and franchise opportunities for regional operators.
KFC’s investment aligns with a trend of major QSR brands re-evaluating physical footprint strategies to balance convenience, digital innovation, and evolving customer preferences.
