Kfc invests 35 million in Italia in 2026 and hires 800 people

Kentucky Fried Chicken accelerates on Italia and sets its sights on 2026 with an expansion plan that combines industrial and employment growth: 35 million euros in investments, 35 new openings and over 800 hires. A dimensional leap that should bring turnover to 281 million euros, a 22% increase over 2025, confirming the country as one of the most dynamic markets for the group.

The current year will therefore represent a key step in the development trajectory of the American fried chicken giant, with a network set to grow to 185 restaurants and a customer base expected to rise by 20% to 36.7 million consumers. Numbers that tell of a now consolidated business model, capable of intercepting a demand increasingly oriented towards speed, accessibility and digital integration of the consumption experience.

Supporting this acceleration is a particularly robust 2025 closing. Kfc Italia ended the year with revenues of 230.4 million euro, an increase of 29% over 2024, twice the growth of fast food in the country. Active restaurants reached 150 (+32%), while the number of customers served was 30.5 million (+22%), with a total of 3,750 employees. "The year 2025 represented much more than a record year for Kfc Italia: it was the confirmation that our development model is solid, distinctive and fully in tune with the evolution of the market," notes CEO Corrado Cagnola. "In a context in which the segment is growing at one of the highest rates in the world, we have chosen to raise the bar even higher, recording +29% in revenues, double the industry average."

The plan for 2026 is part of a broader strategy that looks to the medium term, with the goal of reaching 250 restaurants and approximately 390 million euros in turnover by 2028, supported by total investments of 105 million. A trajectory that reinforces the positioning of Italia as a priority market for the group's European growth.

Underlying this development is also the evolution of the business model. Alongside the consolidation of franchising, which remains prevalent, the weight of directly operated restaurants is increasing, rising to 16% of the network in 2025 and set to rise progressively. A choice that allows greater operational control and experimentation, without giving up the contribution of local partners. "The increase in size is only one part of our project," Cagnola emphasises: "The future of commercial catering will be increasingly based on the integration of technology, product and experience. We are investing in proprietary digital platforms to get to know our customers better and offer a personalised and seamless experience'.