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KFC overhauls global menu, restaurant designs to battle fast-food sameness

Photo: KFC

June 15, 2026

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KFC has announced a global brand evolution aimed at updating its menu and restaurant designs to combat what it describes as the sameness across the quick-service chicken category, according to a press release.

The fast-food chain plans to expand its boneless menu items, introduce a global beverage platform and launch next-generation restaurant designs starting this summer.

"In an increasingly crowded category, we have a clear opportunity to set the standard for modern chicken in QSR," Scott Mezvinsky, CEO, KFC Global, said in the press release. "This next chapter brings new energy and expression to what makes us iconic, while doubling down on our chicken and reimagining how fans experience KFC around the world."

The menu expansion focuses heavily on personalization through a new global sauce pantry featuring more than 20 options, including regional variations like Chimichurri Ranch and Hot Honey Habanero. The brand is also expanding its "Dunked" menu items — which feature tenders, wings and sandwiches drenched in sauce — following initial releases in South Africa and India.

Additionally, the company is growing its new global beverage platform, KWENCH by KFC. The beverage lineup features Boba Refreshers, Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades and Iced Coffees. Following pilots in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the drinks will transition to permanent menus in Australia and Canada this year.

The rollouts will begin in the coming weeks across the U.K. and Ireland before expanding to Australia and the United States, with other global markets following through 2026.

Concurrently, KFC will debut updated branding that refreshes its classic bucket logo and the image of Colonel Sanders across packaging, digital platforms and advertising.

The visual refresh will coincide with new restaurant formats designed to adapt throughout the day. The first of these next-generation spaces includes an open-concept design scheduled to open late this summer in McKinney, Texas, and a two-story immersive restaurant opening this fall in Dubai.

KFC has over 34,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries.