KFC is betting on the Ukrainian market: where to open 10 new restaurants
24 March 20:43
The international fast food chain KFC is preparing to resume active development in Ukraine in 2025. The brand’s franchise partner, Global Restaurateur Group, which is responsible for KFC’s operations in the country, has announced large-scale plans to open new establishments despite the war and the risks associated with it, said Alina Kiptyk, CEO of Testi Food LLC, [ komersant] reports.
This decision can be seen as a signal of confidence in the Ukrainian market, as well as an example of business adaptation to a difficult environment, where even global brands are beginning to resume activity.
What exactly does KFC plan to do in 2025
Open up to 10 new restaurants in Ukrainian cities. Priority is given to relatively safe regions: the west and center of the country. We are talking about Odesa, Kyiv region, Sokilnyky (Lviv region), Rivne and Kamianske (Dnipropetrovska region).
Focus on formats that are flexible to war conditions:
- KFC Express – small delivery points in shopping centers or food courts;
- Drive-thru – for cities with high traffic.
In the delivery sector, actively integrate with Glovo, Raketa, and our own app.
Digitalization. The company plans to invest in self-service cash registers, mobile orders, and push communication with customers.
The company’s goal
KFC publicly declares its commitment to the Ukrainian market. The main strategic goals are:
- creating new jobs – each restaurant requires 20 to 40 employees, not including the supply chain;
- investment in local logistics. Reducing dependence on imports, developing partnerships with Ukrainian producers (in particular, in the areas of poultry, vegetables, and packaging);
- supporting the economy. The company positions itself as a responsible investor that did not leave the market at a critical time.
“We believe in Ukraine, its people and market. Our task is to be closer to our customers and support the national economy,” said the CEO of Global Restarant Group.
How the war has affected KFC’s presence in Ukraine
Prior to the full-scale invasion, KFC had about 60 restaurants, most of which were concentrated in major cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Lviv.
In 2022, some of the restaurants were destroyed or temporarily closed due to hostilities or logistical inaccessibility.
As of the beginning of 2024, more than 30 restaurants have been restored, and most of them are operating in full.
KFC’s expansion plans are not only a business decision, but also a signal to other international brands that the Ukrainian market is viable, despite the risks. They indicate a return of confidence in the country as an investment environment.
Read also: YC.Market analyzes how the restaurant industry has changed during the war
What you need to know about KFC
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is one of the largest international fast food restaurant chains specializing in chicken dishes. It was founded in 1930 in the United States by Gerland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders. Today the brand is owned by Yum! Brands, which also includes Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
The chain has more than 27 thousand restaurants in more than 145 countries. The signature dish is breaded fried chicken, prepared according to an original recipe with 11 spices, which is kept secret. The menu also includes strips, sandwiches, fries, salads, burgers, drinks and desserts.
KFC’s development model is primarily franchising, with a local franchisee operator in each country responsible for opening and managing restaurants and for meeting brand standards.
KFC has been operating in Ukraine since 2012. Before the outbreak of the full-scale war, the chain had about 60 restaurants. After 2022, some restaurants were closed or damaged, but more than 30 have already resumed operations. The official franchisee is Global Restaurateur Group, which plans to open up to 10 new restaurants in the central and western regions in 2025.
KFC is investing in digitalization: mobile applications, self-service checkouts, and delivery. The company also seeks to localize supplies by developing cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers.
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