Find the perfect franchise for you

Take our tailored quiz to unlock a customized list of franchise opportunities right in your area.

Navigate quickly

KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken

Crispy, tasty fried chicken is what KFC is all about, but the world’s largest quick-service chicken restaurant brand has become about more than just chicken over time. Founded as Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC is known for its staple menu items of fried chicken pieces in a variety of styles. But the menu has expanded to include wraps, salads, and sandwiches. And as always, the delectable side dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and corn go perfectly with a KFC bucket of chicken. In its many restaurants outside the United States, KFC also offers beef and pork products such as hamburgers, kebabs, poutine, ribs and others. More about the cost of owning a KFC franchise below.

Facts & figures
Liquid capital required
$750,000
Net worth required
$1,500,000
Investment
$1,442,600 - $2,771,550
Franchise fee
$45,000
Royalty
4.0% - 5.0%
Offers Financing
Yes
Units in operation
25,680
Founded
1930
Franchising Since
1952

Every day, more than 12 million customers are served at KFC’s more 15,000 restaurants around the world, in 109 countries and territories globally, and more than 5,200 locations in the U.S. alone. People can’t seem to get enough of the brand’s fried chicken, either in original recipe, extra crispy or grilled. The recipes for KFC chicken are still the same secret of 11 herbs and spices that founder Colonel Harland Sanders perfected more than a half-century ago. KFC is part of Yum! Brands, Inc., the world’s largest restaurant company. The company seeks entrepreneurs to develop multiple-unit regions with KFC franchises and offers support every step of the way.

Find the right franchise for you. Take our quiz!

Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Opportunities – History

Kentucky Fried Chicken was founded in 1952 by Colonel Harland Sanders, who died in 1980, but who first served his fried chicken back in 1930 in North Corbin, Kentucky, at Sanders Court & Cafe. In 1940, he developed his Original Recipe of friend chicken. He sold his restaurant in the 1950s and instead began selling his chicken to restaurant owners nationwide, the first one in South Salt Lake City, Utah, which became the first Kentucky Fried Chicken. The KFC chain has been sold more than three times over the years, to Heublein in 1971, R.J. Reynolds in 1982 and PepsiCo in 1986, which made it part of its Tricon Global Restaurants division, which in turn spun off into Yum! Brnads. With ubiquitous presence around the world, the restaurant brand adopted the abbreviated KFC in 1991.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Cost and Franchise Requirements

Fried Chicken Franchise Income

The franchise fee to become a KFC franchise owner is $45,000, with an estimated startup costs totals ranging between $1.2 million and $2.5 million. A 5% royalty fee on gross monthly receipts is paid to the company.pany.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Business Opportunities: Other Information

Yum! is quickly developing the multibranding concept of combining two of its brands under one roof in new restaurant locations. For example, it may combine KFC and Taco Bell in one building. The multibranding concept is changing the landscape of the quick-service industry in the U.S., attracting more customers and giving them more options.

Similar Franchises

Charleys Philly Steaks
Charleys Philly Steaks

Charleys Philly Steaks was founded in 1986 and has since become the world's largest Philly cheesesteak franchise. Charleys is a quick-service restaurant offering delicious, made-to-order Philly cheesesteaks, wings, loaded gourmet fries, and real-fruit lemonades. Preferred candidates are Owners/Operators but will accept Semi/Full Absentee Franchisees with a required operating partner.

$150,000

Liquid capital required

Crisp & Green
Crisp & Green

Crisp & Green is a wellness-driven restaurant franchise featuring a selection of healthy food options made in-house with premium ingredients. They also offer free community fitness and wellness events to promote a healthy lifestyle beyond the kitchen.

$1,000,000

Liquid capital required

Check out our resources

Blog articles

Explore articles on franchise opportunities, industry trends, and success stories.

Industry reports

Explore reports on the latest trends in the franchising industry.

In the news

See what the media is saying about us and the franchise industry.

Disclosure documents

Find essential legal documents for evaluating franchises.

Franchise calculator

Use our tool to estimate the costs and benefits of franchises.

Is this your franchise?

Unlock your page now! Update your franchise details and connect with prospective franchisees.