Kathrine Frich
That’s not just a win for fried chicken fans, it’s a big move for the UK jobs market too.
That’s not just a win for fried chicken fans, it’s a big move for the UK jobs market too.
Finger-Lickin’ Big News
KFC has just dropped some finger-lickin’ big news: it’s investing a massive £1.5 billion into its UK and Ireland operations over the next 10 years.
The fast-food giant is planning to open 500 new restaurants, with demand for fried chicken reportedly at an all-time high.
7,000 New Jobs on the Menu
The ambitious expansion will create around 7,000 new jobs, from kitchen and counter staff to managers and new “guest experience” roles.
That’s not just a win for fried chicken fans, it’s a big move for the UK jobs market too.
New Locations Targeted Across Ireland and Northern England
KFC is focusing much of the growth on Ireland and the North West of England, regions where fried chicken sales are sizzling.
Expect to see more flagship restaurants and drive-thrus popping up in areas with growing demand.
£466 Million Set Aside for New Builds
About £466 million will go directly into building the new restaurants, while another chunk of the cash will upgrade more than 200 existing locations with sleek new designs and cutting-edge digital features.
KFC Offering Landlords £20,000 Finder’s Fee
Got a site for a new KFC? The chain is offering up to £20,000 to landlords and property pros who can help them secure prime new locations, part of a crowdsourced expansion model that taps local knowledge.
The Chicken Shop Boom Isn’t Slowing Down
This announcement comes as Britain’s love affair with fried chicken hits new heights.
One stretch from Streatham to West Croydon now boasts a jaw-dropping 29 chicken shops, with KFC, Morley’s, Popeyes, and Chicken Cottage all competing for foot traffic.
Chicken Shops Go Viral, Literally
Social media is fanning the flames of the fried chicken craze.
From YouTuber Sidemen’s Sides restaurant to Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date, fried chicken has become a pop culture staple, especially among younger audiences.
The Battle for Britain’s Chicken Crown
With over 1,000 KFC branches already open in the UK and Ireland, the brand is playing serious catch-up with McDonald’s chicken sales.
But it’s also facing competition from buzzy newcomers like Popeyes and Morley’s, the South London cult favourite with nearly 100 stores.