Elevate Service Group said September 24 its equipment and site preparation program for KFC's Kwench drinks covers more than 200 restaurants in Canada, with one project team coordinating each location.
Work began late in the second quarter of 2026 and is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2027. Elevate's TFI Food Equipment Solutions subsidiary leads sales, delivery, installation and commissioning.
The stations combine Taylor soft serve equipment, Flavor Burst syrup integration, Marco Beverage Systems equipment and QualServe stainless steel benches.
Site work includes assessing each restaurant and preparing plumbing, electrical capacity, millwork and counters for installation. Elevate says the coordinated scope extends through post-launch support. The company says its approach brings together equipment suppliers, plumbers, electricians, contractors and installers that operators would otherwise coordinate separately.
KFC Canada launched Kwench on July 27 with nine made-to-order drinks across four categories: Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades, Boba Refreshers and Iced Lattes. Canada marked the beverage brand's North American debut, following introductions in the UK and Ireland and Australia, according to the chain.
The company's July rollout forecast called for more than 170 Canadian locations by summer's end and 600 in 2027. Those were KFC's announced targets for Kwench; Elevate's statement sets out its own program scope. The July expansion plan included a $30 million investment from KFC Canada and its franchisees.
The Canadian launch lineup ranged from milkshakes finished with sauce and cookie crumbs to fruit-flavored lemonades with hibiscus boba pearls. It also included sparkling lemonade and coffee drinks such as an iced caramel latte. KFC Canada President and General Manager Ryan Koon described a plan to expand beyond the chain's core food offering by building a dedicated beverage brand at scale.
KFC had set out its beverage strategy before the Canadian launch. In its June 15 global announcement, the chain said Kwench would move from a pilot to permanent menus in Canada and Australia during 2026, while it was already available at selected UK and Ireland restaurants.
KFC positioned the beverage platform around treats outside regular mealtimes, seeking more occasions for customers to choose the brand throughout the day.
QSR Pro Staff
The QSR Pro editorial team covers the quick service restaurant industry with in-depth analysis, data-driven reporting, and operator-first perspective.
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