Full Breakdown
KFC Unveils “Open House” Prototype to Revitalize U.S. Presence
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Launch of the Open House Test Restaurant
In late September, KFC opened a 3,400-square-foot location in McKinney, Texas, branded “Open House.” The restaurant combines dual drive-thru lanes, a mobile-order pickup lane, self-ordering kiosks, and full table service. The menu adds a U.S.-first breakfast lineup (sandwiches, mini cronuts, hashbrown sticks, coffee and iced lattes), new sides such as fried green beans and spicy pickles, and a “KFC Sips” line with boba-filled refreshers and Krunch shakes. The concept serves as a learning lab for ideas that could be rolled out to the chain’s 3,424 U.S. restaurants.
Background & Context: Declining Domestic Share
KFC, founded by Harland Sanders in 1930, operates more than 34,000 outlets worldwide. International sales have grown, driven largely by China, which accounts for almost 40 % of locations. U.S. market share fell from 20 % of the $21.8 billion chicken-chain segment in 2015 to 8 % in 2025, while competitors such as Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Wingstop have expanded rapidly. Since early 2022, KFC has closed 529 U.S. restaurants and has been testing concepts like the 2024 “Saucy by KFC” in Florida.
Data & Statistics
- Global footprint: >34,000 restaurants in 150+ countries.
- U.S. locations: 3,424 restaurants.
- Closures since 2022: 529 U.S. sites.
- Same-store sales growth Q2 2026: 2 % (Yum Brands).
- Industry ranking: fifth among U.S. fast-food chicken chains.
Official Statements & Responses
Christophe Poirier, KFC’s chief concept officer, said the test lab is meant to let customers “stay a while” and experience hospitality that feels “like a luxury retailer.” Dhiren Karnani, global head of food and experience, noted that any menu changes must still honor Sanders’ original recipe while expanding choices for younger diners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's the Kentucky Fried comeback made real in one restaurant,” — Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president
- “The premise commercially behind this restaurant is called ‘AUV-maxxing,’” — Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president
What’s Next: Scaling and Franchise Interest
KFC will evaluate each element of Open House—menu items, service models, digital ordering and “celebration booth” experiences—to determine scalability. Franchisees such as Stewart Restaurant Group in Minneapolis have expressed interest, and successful components will be “stage-gated” for broader rollout.