KFC

Yum! Brands · YUM · EST. 1952 · Louisville, Kentucky

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US UNITS3,6562025 record · QSR Pro estimates

GLOBAL UNITS29,0002025 record · QSR Pro estimates

FRANCHISED %99%2025 record · QSR Pro estimates

FRANCHISE REQUIREMENTSView source notes ↓Figures, scope and source dates

01Our Coverage

12 STORIES

Latest

Taco Bell keeps PepsiCo for 11 years as KFC moves to Coca-Cola

Taco Bell renewed PepsiCo through 2036 while KFC plans to switch to Coca-Cola. Two Café Refrescas are scheduled for national Taco Bell menus in December.

Oct 23, 2026

KFC Canada's Kwench rollout pairs equipment and site workSep 24, 2026 KFC UK Made Cereal. It Wants You to Add Gravy.Sep 23, 2026 Yum Brands Releases First-Ever Food Trends Report: What 59,000 Restaurants See ComingMar 24, 2026 KFC's American Decline: How the Original Chicken Chain Fell to Fifth PlaceMar 24, 2026 Yum Brands Closes 2025 With a 27% Profit Surge and 4,500 New Restaurants WorldwideMar 20, 2026 AmRest recruits Warsaw staff for planned Taco Bell launchOct 19, 2026 Omilia extends Taco Bell deal after reaching 890-plus drive-thrusSep 15, 2026 Yum China’s delivery growth brings a larger rider bill to restaurantsSep 15, 2026 Yum's Q2 Digital Sales Figures Exclude Pizza HutSep 15, 2026 The QSR Labor Crisis in 2026: Wages, Automation, and the Fight for the Future of Fast FoodMar 28, 2026 Dave's Hot Chicken and Roark Capital: A Billion-Dollar Bet on Becoming the Next WingstopMar 24, 2026

02About the Brand

Fried chicken restaurant chain with global presence

FIG 1 — US UNIT COUNT, 2019–2025

4,776

2019

4,556

2020

4,382

2021

4,159

2022

4,004

2023

3,774

2024

3,656

2025

RECORD YEARS AND SOURCE LABELS BELOW

Records can refer to different reporting dates within a year. Estimates are identified in the source labels; these records are not a like-for-like growth calculation.

2019: QSR Pro estimates
2020: QSR Pro estimates
2021: QSR Pro estimates
2022: QSR Pro estimates
2023: QSR Pro estimates
2024: QSR Pro estimates
2025: QSR Pro estimates

Franchise Requirements

Availability and model

KFC describes buying land and building, leasing property and building, reopening or converting a restaurant, and developer-funded build-to-suit leases.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Operating commitment

Candidates need multi-unit restaurant or hospitality experience, business ownership experience and hands-on involvement. Initial assessment generally takes 8–12 weeks; transaction approval follows. That is not an opening timetable. Existing-store transfers require KFC US LLC review; new restaurants depend on existing operators’ rights.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Initial investment / development estimate: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Initial franchise fee: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Separate development fee: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Liquid capital / personal funds: $750,000
US candidate minimum
Cash or assets convertible within ten business days; requirements may increase.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Net worth: $1,500,000
US candidate minimum
May rise with ownership level and transaction size.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Royalty / service fee: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Advertising / marketing contribution: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
KFC franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC development optionsSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
KFC franchise inquirySource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Full cost guide and sources →Official KFC website

Segment Peers

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