KFC Faces Decline with Over 300 Restaurant Closures

KFC, a staple in the fast food industry, has witnessed a significant decline, shutting down more than 300 locations in the past year, equating to a 7.6% reduction in its national presence. California saw the most closures, losing 44 outlets, while Texas and Ohio followed with 34 and 18 closures, respectively. Kansas faced the steepest percentage decline, losing 21% of its restaurants.

The brand's struggle for popularity is highlighted by its low average rating of 3.42 stars from 2,885 locations, making it the least favored among major chicken chains. In contrast, Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s lead with ratings of 4.3 and 4.29 stars, respectively.

Despite these challenges, KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands, reported a 7% growth in units for Q2 2026 and plans for international expansion, with 660 new locations launched across 55 countries.

Source: www.delish.com