KFC to invest US$1.5B in UK, Ireland, creating 7,000 new jobs, opening 500 new restaurants by 2029

UK – KFC has announced a major £1.5 billion ($2 billion) investment plan for the UK and Ireland, set to run through 2029, aimed at modernising its restaurants and expanding its presence across the region.

This ambitious initiative will create 7,000 new jobs and contribute approximately £169 million to the UK economy, reinforcing KFC’s position as a leading fast-food brand.

The investment will be split between upgrading over 200 existing restaurants—around 20% of KFC’s current estate, and opening up to 500 new locations.

Approximately £466 million (US$630 million) of the total budget is earmarked for new site development, with a focus on flagship restaurants and drive-thru outlets in growth regions such as the Northwest of England and Ireland, where demand for KFC’s freshly prepared fried chicken continues to surge.

Rob Swain, General Manager of KFC UK and Ireland, said, “We’ve never seen such strong demand for freshly prepared fried chicken as we’re seeing today. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland with a major investment in our restaurants and the suppliers who have been crucial to our success.”

The jobs created will span kitchen staff, management roles, and a new ‘guest experience’ position designed to enhance customer service across KFC’s network of more than 1,000 sites, which currently employ around 30,000 people.

The investment will also support KFC’s supply chain, benefiting key partners such as Pilgrim’s Europe (chicken supplier), McCormick (gravy producer), and Nature’s Way (salad growers), with £404 million (US$546 million) allocated to strengthening these supplier relationships.

KFC’s expansion comes amid a booming UK fried chicken market, valued at £3.1 billion (US$4.2 billion), and intensifying competition from US brands like Wingstop and Popeyes.

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls welcomed the announcement, stating, “Hospitality’s ability to create places where people want to live, work, and invest is unrivalled. This significant investment from KFC will drive socially productive growth, deliver economic benefits, and support employment across the UK.”

As KFC celebrates 60 years in the UK and Ireland since its first restaurant opened in Preston in 1965, this investment signals the brand’s confidence in continued growth and its commitment to meeting evolving consumer demand with modernised, accessible dining experiences.

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