• KFC China celebrates 10,000th store milestone in 36 years. •
• Reach half of China’s population by 2026 through new city entries.
• Diverse menu, adaptability, and tech adoption (IoT, automation, AI) for sustained growth.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. celebrated the opening of KFC China’s 10,000th store, marking a historic moment in the brand’s 36-year journey in the country. The grand celebration took place at the new store located on the banks of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in Hangzhou, a city with deep historical significance as a link connecting northern and southern China.

Since its inception in 1987 with the first store in Beijing, KFC China has emerged as the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand in the country, boasting an extensive network of over 10,000 stores. The brand’s growth has been underpinned by a robust in-house supply chain management system developed over three decades.

Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China, expressed pride in achieving this remarkable milestone, emphasizing KFC China’s profound connection with Chinese consumers across generations. “As the first western QSR restaurant brand in China to reach this incredible milestone, KFC China’s 10,000th store opening is a proud moment for all of us, demonstrating the brand’s deep bond with Chinese consumers across generations for over 36 years,” said Wat.

Wat further highlighted KFC China’s strategic positioning for sustained growth, leveraging its large and rapidly expanding store network, substantial economies of scale, and access to an even broader customer base. With the goal of reaching over half of China’s population by 2026, KFC China aims to serve an increasingly diverse customer base.

Warton Wang, General Manager of KFC China, emphasized the commitment to innovation and growth. “KFC China remains at the forefront of pioneering new formats and groundbreaking concepts to accelerate store expansion into untapped cities, while also staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and emerging consumption trends,” said Wang.

Despite already establishing a presence in over 1,900 cities, KFC China is actively expanding into 1,100 untapped cities, with a focus on both lower and higher-tier cities. The brand has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, with an average annual growth in net new KFC stores exceeding 22%.

To cater to evolving consumer needs, KFC China has introduced innovative products, including Juicy Whole Chicken and Beef Burgers, both generating annual sales exceeding $100 million. The menu is also being expanded to include more entry-level price point offerings, ensuring a broader appeal.

In terms of delivery services, KFC China is redefining convenience and accessibility, with a focus on small-ticket delivery orders. The brand has embraced cutting-edge technologies, including in-store Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, KFC China plans to accelerate its annual net new store openings to exceed 1,200 in the next three years, with a significant portion expected to be franchise stores. The brand’s future strategy includes a diverse range of store models and modules, emphasizing innovation-empowered growth and adaptability in the dynamic Chinese market.

The grand celebration of KFC China’s 10,000th store marks not only a significant achievement but also a testament to the brand’s enduring success and commitment to remaining a pioneer in the Chinese restaurant industry.

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