
KFC
Food & Beverage · Quick-Service Restaurants
- Active units
- 30
- Avg unit volume
- $983k
- Royalty
- 9.5%
Franchised, year-end 2023
of weekly Net Sales
About KFC
KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is an American fast-food restaurant chain known for its fried chicken. Founded in 1930 by Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC has grown to become one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. The headquarters of KFC is located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It serves as the central administrative hub for the company, overseeing its global operations and providing strategic direction. KFC's main products revolve around its signature fried chicken, which is made using a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. The menu also includes various chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides such as mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and desserts. The company constantly innovates its menu to cater to changing consumer preferences and offers limited-time promotions to keep customers engaged. On a global scale, KFC operates in over 22,000 locations across 136 countries, making it one of the most widespread fast-food chains. The brand is a part of Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. KFC has formed various joint ventures and partnerships to expand its presence in different markets, collaborating with local franchises and operators. In terms of market position, KFC ranks as one of the top fast-food chains globally, competing with other major players like McDonald's and Subway. It has achieved significant global sales, reporting over $26 billion in revenue in 2019. KFC's success lies in its ability to adapt its menu and marketing strategies to local tastes, ensuring that the brand resonates with diverse cultures around the world. KFC has seen numerous events and achievements throughout its history. Notably, Colonel Sanders' secret recipe and his charismatic persona played a pivotal role in establishing the brand. Over the years, KFC has introduced various products and campaigns to maintain relevance, such as their popular Finger Lickin' Good slogan and the introduction of the KFC Famous Bowl. As of the latest updates, KFC continues to expand its footprint globally and strengthen its market presence. The company focuses on enhancing its digital capabilities and improving customer experience through technological advancements. Additionally, KFC has been actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, implementing sustainable practices and supporting local communities. In summary, KFC is a globally recognized fast-food chain offering a diverse menu centered around its famous fried chicken. With a rich history, a strong market position, and continuous innovation, KFC remains a prominent player in the fast-food industry.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$23k
- Second or subsequent Non-Traditional Outlet discount
KFCLLC may discount or waive the initial license fee for a franchisee’s second or subsequent Non-Traditional Outlet.
- Footprint
500 – 900 sq ft
- Veteran discount
Not offered
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2025 filing); filings on file: 2024, 2025.
Growth
- Total locations—
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings—
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate—
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR—
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio—
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)$1.1M
Average annual Net Sales for 16 Single-Brand Non-Traditional Outlets for FYE 2024.
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate11.3%
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$868k
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open8 months
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
↓ Lower is better - Royalty rate9.5%
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
↓ Lower is better - Sales-to-investment ratio1.3×
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
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