KFC has appetite for over 50 new UK stores in 2025

KFC is looking to secure over 50 new UK stores this year, as part of the restaurant chain’s plans to invest almost £1.5bn into its estate over the next five years.

Earlier this year, the fried chicken specialist – which operates over 1,000 restaurants in the UK – said it will spend £466m on expanding its estate, with plans to open 500 more sites in the UK and Ireland over the next decade.

The chain also said it would invest in upgrading over 200 of its existing restaurants.

KFC has now released its acquisition requirements, with the chain considering freehold and leasehold units located at retail and leisure parks, development sites, high street retail units, travel hubs, shopping centres, and food courts.

The operator is focusing on drive-through sites spanning 0.3 to 1.5 acres, as well as in-line units ranging in size between 1,200 sq ft and 2,500 sq ft.

KFC is seeking sites across the entire UK and Ireland, and is also offering agents a finder’s fee of £20,000 for any suitable locations.