KFC Is Opening A New Kind Of Restaurant—And The Menu Might Surprise You

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   KFC launches 'A Taste of What's Next' platform across MENA region

   KFC has unveiled a comprehensive brand platform called 'A Taste of What's Next' across the Middle East and North Africa, developed with agency TBWA\RAAD. The initiative spans menu innovation, restaurant redesign, digital experiences, social content, and cultural activations. Separately, KFC has introduced a specialty drinks sub-brand named KWENCH by KFC with a campaign recreating a hit song using drink sounds. These moves align with broader QSR trends toward digital engagement and food-as-entertainment strategies. The MENA platform launch represents KFC's most significant regional brand overhaul in recent years.

   Why it matters

   Quick-service restaurants face pressure to revive traffic through menu innovation and digital engagement. KFC's MENA strategy mirrors industry-wide shifts toward high-value bundles and nostalgic comfort items while adding experiential elements. The KWENCH drinks launch taps into the growing specialty beverage market where drinks serve as self-expression and social currency. Both initiatives reflect KFC's attempt to reposition beyond fried chicken into a broader lifestyle brand.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC launched 'A Taste of What's Next' brand platform across MENA with TBWA\RAAD covering menu innovation, restaurant design, digital experiences, social content, and cultural activations.
   • KFC introduced KWENCH by KFC specialty drinks sub-brand with a campaign recreating 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' using drink sounds.
   • QSR sector in 2026 emphasizes back-to-basics approach combined with aggressive digital engagement and food-as-entertainment trends.

   Still unconfirmed

   • KFC's Dunked menu items continue expanding in India with Korean-inspired flavors.

   What to watch next

   • MENA platform rollout timeline and first menu innovations
   • KWENCH drinks expansion beyond initial launch markets
   • Consumer response metrics for both initiatives in Q4 2026
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.entrepreneur.com — Restaurant Chains Are Hungry for a Comeback. Can This Change Bring Diners Back?
   2. www.eater.com — The Best New Restaurants in America in 2026
   3. campaignbriefasia.com — KFC and TBWA\\RAAD say goodbye to the past and serve up what ...
   4. communicateonline.me — KFC launches new brand platform across MENA
   5. www.accio.com — KFC Bearing: 2026 Market Trends & Strategy - accio.com
   6. campaignbrief.com — KFC launches KWENCH by KFC® drinks range via Special by ...
   7. sporked.com — This New KFC Menu Looks Worth The Plane Ticket | Sporked
   confidence 88%
2. 8d ago

   KFC launches global Marvel-inspired menu for Avengers: Doomsday

   KFC is partnering with Marvel Studios to release a limited-edition menu themed after the film Avengers: Doomsday. Starting November 9, participating locations in select global markets will offer a Doom Burger with a black sesame seed bun, Doom Dripped Wings, and Doom Loaded Fries. The promotion includes themed sauces and collectibles. While the campaign is described as the brand's most expansive collaboration to date, the themed menu will not be available to customers in the United States.

   Why it matters

   This global marketing push precedes the December 18 release of the Avengers: Doomsday film. It follows KFC's recent shift toward immersive dining experiences, such as the two-story KFC Muse in Dubai. The company is also preparing for a domestic transition to Coca-Cola beverages in January 2027.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC is launching a limited-edition Avengers: Doomsday menu featuring themed burgers, wings, sauces, and collectibles.
   • The menu includes a Doom Burger with a black sesame seed bun, Doom Dripped Wings, and Doom Loaded Fries.
   • The promotion begins November 9 at participating locations in select global markets.
   • The themed menu will not be available in the United States.
   • The campaign celebrates the December 18 release of the Avengers: Doomsday film.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of which specific international markets will host the promotion
   • Announcement of any US-specific Marvel collaborations to replace the excluded menu
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. chicago.eater.com — All the New Restaurant Openings to Know in Chicago
   2. global.kfc.com — KFC - KFC Brings the Doom: New Marvel-Inspired Menu Lands ...
   3. www.yahoo.com — KFC Launches Avengers: Doomsday Menu Globally, But U ... - Yahoo
   4. www.ign.com — KFC Reveals Official Avengers: Doomsday Menu 'Worthy' of Dr. Doom
   5. www.fastfoodpost.com — KFC Launches Avengers: Doomsday-Inspired Menu Featuring New ...
   6. www.livemint.com — KFC launches themed menu and more as it teams up with ... - Mint
   7. sporked.com — KFC's New Marvel-Inspired Menu Is Absolutely Huge | Sporked
   confidence 100%
3. 10d ago

   KFC Launches First Immersive Two-Story Restaurant Concept

   KFC has introduced its first-ever two-story immersive restaurant concept, named KFC Muse, in Dubai. The new venue shifts the brand from a traditional quick-service restaurant to what it calls a quality experience restaurant. Visitors to the Dubai location can customize their fried chicken within the two-story layout. This international rollout follows prior announcements regarding domestic operational changes, including a planned switch to Coca-Cola beverages in US stores starting in January 2027 to replace a decades-long partnership with PepsiCo.

   Why it matters

   The introduction of the KFC Muse concept in Dubai represents a significant physical brand evolution as consumer demand for chicken rises in the region. This follows other strategic pivots by Yum! Brands for its subsidiary, such as updating US beverage suppliers to better compete with rivals like Raising Cane's. International outposts continue to maintain different beverage lineups, while the brand expands its global footprint originating from Colonel Harland Sanders' legacy.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC debuted its first two-storey immersive restaurant concept named KFC Muse in Dubai.
   • The KFC Muse location allows customers to customize their fried chicken.
   • The brand describes the KFC Muse concept as moving from a quick service restaurant to a quality experience restaurant.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The KFC Muse concept may expand to other global markets following its Dubai launch.

   What to watch next

   • Expansion announcements of the KFC Muse concept to additional international or domestic markets
   • Customer response metrics and menu reception at the Dubai location
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. global.kfc.com — KFC - Home | KFC
   2. www.yahoo.com — KFC to open first 2-story immersive restaurant where you can ...
   3. www.qsrweb.com — KFC unveils next-generation restaurant concept in Dubai
   4. www.fermag.com — KFC Opens Immersive Restaurant Concept in Dubai
   5. qsrmedia.com — KFC debuts two-storey immersive restaurant concept in Dubai
   6. www.prnewswire.com — KFC Brings Brand Evolution to Life with the World-First ...
   confidence 95%
4. 15d ago

   KFC Switches to Coca-Cola Beverages in US Restaurants

   KFC is ending its nearly 40-year partnership with PepsiCo and switching to Coca-Cola beverages in its US restaurants, starting January 2027. The transition is expected to be completed nationwide by spring 2027. This change aims to provide value to customers and compete with fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane's. The new beverage lineup will feature Coca-Cola products, but international KFC outposts will still serve Pepsi.

   Why it matters

   KFC, the world's second-largest restaurant chain with over 31,980 locations globally, is making a significant change to its menu. The company, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. This move is part of KFC's efforts to revamp its offerings and stay competitive in the fast-food industry.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC has over 31,980 locations globally in 150 countries as of September 2025.
   • KFC is switching from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola beverages in US restaurants starting January 2027.
   • The transition to Coca-Cola beverages is expected to be completed nationwide by spring 2027.
   • KFC is the world's second-largest restaurant chain after McDonald's.

   What to watch next

   • KFC's Q4 2026 sales performance
   • Coca-Cola beverage rollout in KFC US restaurants
   • KFC's response to competitors' reactions
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — KFC - Wikipedia
   2. menulaunches.com — MenuLaunches — New Menu Items & LTOs, Tracked Daily
   3. www.ucook.org — KFC Is Making A MAJOR Change To Its Menu After Nearly 40 Years
   4. 7news.com.au — Videos - Watch the Latest KFC Videos | 7News | 7NEWS
   confidence 100%
5. 18d ago

   KFC to Open New Restaurant Concept, Switch to Coca-Cola

   KFC is launching a new restaurant concept in McKinney, Texas, and will switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola beverages in U.S. restaurants starting January 2027. The fast-food chain is also introducing a limited-edition menu and pop-up experiences inspired by Kenyan culture. This move aims to compete with fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane's and provide value to customers.

   Why it matters

   The new restaurant concept and beverage switch are part of KFC's efforts to revamp its brand and offerings. The company has been working to bring back popular menu items and provide value to customers. The switch to Coca-Cola ends a nearly 40-year partnership with Pepsi.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC is switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola beverages in U.S. restaurants starting January 2027
   • The beverage change will begin at U.S. restaurants in January 2027, with a nationwide rollout expected by spring
   • KFC is launching a new restaurant concept in McKinney, Texas

   What to watch next

   • KFC's performance in McKinney, Texas, and other new restaurant openings
   • The success of KFC's Kenyan-inspired menu and pop-up experiences in Nairobi
   • The impact of the Coca-Cola switch on KFC's U.S. operations in spring 2027
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.delish.com — KFC Is Making A MAJOR Change To Its Menu After Nearly 40 Years
   2. www.foodbusinessmea.com — KFC launches Kenyan-inspired Kentucky Town 254 experience
   confidence 100%
6. 21d ago

   KFC Launches New Restaurant Concept To Battle Rivals

   KFC is launching a new restaurant concept in McKinney, Texas, to compete against fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane's. This follows recent efforts in 2026 to provide value and bring back popular menu items. Meanwhile, thousands of U.S. restaurants are preparing to replace Pepsi products with Coca-Cola beverages starting in January 2027, ending a partnership that lasted nearly forty years. The fast-food chain previously underwent rebranding efforts that altered its visual identity and food offerings.

   Why it matters

   The restaurant chain is overhauling its operations and menu to regain market ground against competitors. Switching beverage providers away from its former parent company marks a major operational shift across thousands of locations. These changes follow a period of rebranding designed to modernize the fast-food brand.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC is launching a new concept in McKinney, Texas, to compete with fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane's.
   • Thousands of KFC restaurants in the United States are switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products after a partnership lasting nearly four decades.
   • The transition to Coca-Cola across 3,600 U.S. restaurants is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new restaurant concept menu might feature surprising items.

   What to watch next

   • The rollout of the new restaurant concept in McKinney, Texas
   • The official transition of beverage providers to Coca-Cola in January 2027
   • Further menu and operational changes across U.S. locations
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.chilichili.net — KFC launches new concept to compete with chicken rivals
   2. www.thetakeout.com — KFC Is Still Doing These 5 Things Right In 2026, Despite All ...
   3. www.14news.com — KFC switches to Coca-Cola products after nearly four decades ...
   4. easyeverydayrecipes.com — KFC Is Making a Big Switch After 40 Years, and Customers Will ...
   confidence 95%
7. 24d ago

   KFC Replaces Pepsi with Coca-Cola in U.S. Market

   KFC will switch its beverage provider from Pepsi to Coca-Cola across 3,600 U.S. restaurants starting in January 2027. This move ends a 40-year partnership and serves as a component of a wider operational and menu overhaul. The transition follows a period of rebranding that already altered the chain's visual identity and food offerings. The shift marks a significant departure for the company, which was previously owned by Pepsi.

   Why it matters

   The beverage change aligns with a broader turnaround plan led by President Catherine Tan-Gillespie. This strategy includes testing a new restaurant prototype in McKinney, Texas, and launching the Kentucky Town experience in Nairobi.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC is switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in its U.S. restaurants.
   • The beverage transition will begin in January.
   • The change will affect 3,600 U.S. locations.
   • KFC and Pepsi had a partnership lasting 40 years.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of the beverage switch in January 2027
   • Performance results from the McKinney, Texas prototype site
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.aol.com — KFC Partners with Coca-Cola for Major Drink Menu Change ...
   2. www.restaurantdive.com — KFC ditches Pepsi for Coke in latest turnaround move
   3. www.entrepreneur.com — KFC Is Switching From Pepsi to Coke After 40 Years - Entrepreneur
   4. www.ntd.com — KFC Breaks With PepsiCo, Picks Coca-Cola for US Restaurants
   5. finance.yahoo.com — TWO SECRET RECIPES, ONE ICONIC PARTNERSHIP: KFC® U.S ...
   confidence 100%
8. 30d ago

   KFC Tests Sit-Down Dining and Expands Global Concepts

   KFC is testing a new restaurant prototype in McKinney, Texas, featuring sit-down dining, fried chicken breakfast, boba drinks, and all-day service from 6 am to midnight. The experimental location held its grand opening on September 26. U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie is using the site as a testing ground for her turnaround plan. Meanwhile, the chain has launched $3.49 Go Buckets nationwide, pairing nuggets, wings, or a tender with fries or wedges. Additionally, KFC is preparing to debut its Kentucky Town experience in Nairobi on October 20, bringing a Kenyan-inspired menu and fashion pop-ups to East Africa.

   Why it matters

   The experimental McKinney site operates as a laboratory to test fresh concepts that could eventually spread to more than 3,400 U.S. locations. These operational changes support a broader corporate strategy to reclaim market position from rivals through morning and afternoon snacking options. Concurrently, international markets are receiving localized experiential rollouts, blending regional food culture with fashion merchandise collaborations.

   What is confirmed

   • An experimental KFC location in McKinney, Texas, held its grand opening on September 26.
   • The McKinney restaurant features sit-down dining, a fried chicken breakfast, boba drinks, and all-day service from 6 am to midnight.
   • The Open House prototype serves as a testing ground for U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie's turnaround plan.
   • KFC launched new $3.49 Go Buckets nationwide that pair nuggets, wings or a tender with fries or wedges.
   • The Kentucky Town experience is scheduled to launch in Kenya on October 20, marking the platform's East African debut.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Menu items and operational concepts tested at the McKinney Open House will successfully spread to more than 3,400 U.S. locations.

   What to watch next

   • Observation of whether successful elements from the McKinney Open House prototype roll out to other U.S. locations.
   • The launch and public reception of the Kentucky Town 254 experience in Nairobi on October 20, 2026.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. capitaldigest.com — KFC Tests Table Service & Breakfast at Texas Restaurant
   2. www.restaurantbusinessonline.com — The KFC Open House prototype just may be the spark the brand ...
   3. studentrecipes.com — KFC Fans Get a Cheap New Way to Score Chicken on the Go
   4. www.topagrar.com — KFC eröffnet Open House: Test-Restaurant der nächsten ...
   5. soyummy.com — KFC Opens a Restaurant Unlike Any It Has Before, and Its Menu ...
   6. destinafrica.co.ke — KFC’s Kentucky Town lands in Kenya with a local twist on food ...
   7. allafrica.com — Kenya: KFC's Kentucky Town Lands in Kenya With a Local Twist ...
   8. www.the-star.co.ke — KFC brings Kenyan-inspired menu, fashion pop-ups to Nairobi
   9. businessafricaonline.com — KFC Brings Food, Fashion and Fun to Kenya - Business Africa ...
   confidence 100%
9. 39d ago

   KFC Tests "Open House" Concept in Texas to Modernize U.S. Brand

   KFC launched an "Open House" test restaurant in McKinney, Texas, to serve as a real-world testing ground for brand modernization. The prototype introduces menu categories not found at standard U.S. locations, including breakfast items, specialty boba drinks, expanded chicken tender varieties, and custom dipping sauces. The site features table service, cozy seating, and double drive-thru technology. By expanding its offerings to include morning and afternoon snacking, the company intends to turn around its U.S. business and reclaim its market position from rivals.

   Why it matters

   The move comes as KFC faces stiff competition in its home market from competitors such as Raising Cane's. The McKinney location allows the company to trial new ordering technology and operational hours before a potential wider rollout.

   What is confirmed

   • KFC opened an Open House test restaurant in McKinney, Texas.
   • The new concept features breakfast items and boba drinks.
   • The restaurant implements table service and double drive-thru technology.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Texas prototype is testing late-night hours.
   • KFC is using this concept to specifically combat market share loss to Raising Cane's.

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of additional Open House prototype locations
   • Data on the performance of breakfast and boba sales
   • Details on remodel costs for existing franchisees
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.dailymail.com — Would you pay more to dine out at a KFC? Fried chicken giant ...
   2. foodcolumn.com — KFC Opens New Texas Test Restaurant to Reinvent Its U.S ...
   3. 1851franchise.com — KFC Open House Prototype: What It Means for Franchisees
   4. www.telegraphherald.com — KFC opens a Texas restaurant to test ideas for reclaiming its ...
   5. www.rli.uk.com — KFC Debuts ‘Open House’ in Texas | Retail & Leisure International
   confidence 90%
10. 45d ago

    KFC unveils "Open House" restaurant concept with expanded menu

    KFC has opened a new restaurant concept called "Open House" in McKinney, Texas, featuring an expanded menu including breakfast items, boba, and table service. The restaurant has a bold new design with Art Deco and mid-century modern elements, digital ordering, and drive-thru technology. This new concept aims to help KFC reclaim its fried chicken crown.

    Why it matters

    KFC, one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, is trying to revamp its image and offerings to compete in the modern fast-food market. The company has been testing new ideas to appeal to changing consumer preferences. The Open House concept is a significant departure from KFC's traditional quick-service model.

    What is confirmed

    • KFC's new Open House restaurant concept offers breakfast items, confirmed by multiple sources.
    • The restaurant features table service, confirmed by multiple sources.
    • The Open House design combines Art Deco and mid-century modern elements, confirmed by Fox News and Delish.
    • KFC's new concept includes digital ordering and drive-thru technology, confirmed by Fox News.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The expanded menu includes boba, reported by NBC4 WCMH-TV and Delish.

    What to watch next

    • KFC's nationwide rollout plan for the Open House concept.
    • Customer response to the new menu items and restaurant design.
    • Potential impact on KFC's sales and market share.
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. AP News — KFC opens a Texas restaurant to test ideas for reclaiming its fried chicken crown
    2. Southern Living — KFC Is Opening A New Kind Of Restaurant—And The Menu Might Surprise You
    3. Fox News — KFC unveils radically different restaurant in major comeback push
    4. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth — KFC to open "Open House" restaurant concept in McKinney this week
    5. NBC4 WCMH-TV — KFC’s new restaurant concept will offer breakfast, boba and table service
    6. www.foxnews.com — KFC unveils radically different restaurant in major comeback push
    7. www.delish.com — I Got A First Look At The KFC Of The Future—Here's ... - Delish
    8. www.cnbc.com — KFC debuts Open House restaurant concept in Texas - CNBC
    9. sporked.com — KFC Is Trying A Totally New Restaurant Style | Sporked
    confidence 90%