KFC to Pour £1.5 Billion into UK and Ireland, Creating 7,000 Jobs
Posted by Emma on 7th Jun 2025 Reading Time:
KFC has unveiled plans to invest £1.49 billion across the UK and Ireland over the next five years as part of an ambitious growth strategy aimed at making it the fastest-growing restaurant brand for the next generation.
The fast-food giant’s plans include opening 500 new restaurants over the next decade, with £466 million of the investment earmarked for new outlets. These will focus on flagship locations and drive-thrus, particularly in growth regions such as Ireland and the northwest of England.
In addition to expansion, the company will upgrade more than 200 of its existing sites—around 20% of its current estate—with refreshed designs and the latest digital technology.
A significant portion of the investment—£404 million—will be directed towards strengthening relationships with UK suppliers. Beneficiaries include chicken supplier Pilgrim’s Europe, Buckinghamshire based McCormick (which produces KFC’s gravy), salad grower Nature’s Way in Chichester, and hospitality tech firm Fourth.
The move is also a major employment drive, with £583 million set aside to create over 7,000 new jobs across KFC’s supply chain and restaurant network.
KFC estimates the investment will inject a further £169 million of direct gross value into the UK economy over the next five years through new restaurant builds, supplier spending, and the increased earning potential of its expanded workforce.
Marking its 60th anniversary since launching in Preston in 1965, the company says demand for its fried chicken has never been higher.
“We’ve been serving customers in the UK for 60 years now, but we’ve never seen such strong demand for freshly prepared, fried chicken as we’re seeing today,” said Rob Swain, general manager for KFC UK and Ireland.
“As the market leader and a near-£2bn revenue business, we’re incredibly well positioned to unlock this opportunity. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland.”
Currently, KFC and its 27 franchise partners employ 33,500 people across the UK, contributing £1.1 billion annually to the national economy. The UK fried chicken market is currently valued at £3.1 billion, suggesting ample room for further growth.
This bold move comes at a time when consumer habits continue to shift towards fast, affordable, and tech-enabled dining experiences—areas KFC is clearly positioning itself to dominate.