KFC is making significant international investments in 2025, announcing a £1.49 billion (approximately $2 billion USD) expansion across the UK and Ireland over the next five years. This initiative includes plans to open 500 new outlets and upgrade over 200 existing restaurants, creating more than 7,000 jobs. The company’s strong performance in the UK is backed by a growing fried chicken market, currently valued at £3.1 billion and expected to continue expanding. No major closures have been reported this quarter, and demand for the brand remains strong in both international and domestic markets, highlighting KFC’s staying power as a global QSR leader.
For NNN investors, KFC’s continued growth and operational stability make it a compelling long-term tenant, particularly when backed by corporate or large multi-unit franchise guarantees. The significant capital investment abroad signals Yum! Brands’ confidence in the KFC concept and its global relevance. Investors should prioritize locations with updated prototypes, drive-thrus, and high visibility in growth markets. While much of the investment focus is currently international, domestic investors can still benefit by targeting stores in expanding suburban areas or high-traffic corridors. With no signs of contraction and a robust global brand strategy, KFC remains a reliable and attractive tenant in the NNN space.