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KFC closes more than 300 US restaurants as locations underperform
Analysis cited by the story says at least 312 US KFC restaurants permanently shut between July 15, 2025, and July 6, 2026, cutting the chain’s US footprint by 7.6%.
Yahoo Finance reports that KFC has been closing more than 300 restaurants in the United States as it tries to reduce underperforming locations.
The story points to weaker sales momentum across the fried chicken category, citing Technomic data shared with Nation’s Restaurant News. It notes the chicken category grew 5.3% in 2025, down from 9.1% in 2024 and more than 12% in 2023.
While highlighting that rivals have continued to perform better, the article says Chick-fil-A’s sales rose 5.2% year over year in 2025, and Popeyes’ sales fell 0.5% in 2025 versus growth in 2024. It also says KFC’s sales were down 4.6% in 2025.
For context on KFC’s broader strategy, the article includes a quote from Yum Brands CEO Christopher Turner from the chain’s second-quarter earnings call, saying KFC delivered 6% system sales growth on 7% unit growth and 2% same-store sales growth. The report adds that Local Falcon estimates 312 KFC US restaurants permanently closed between July 15, 2025, and July 6, 2026, representing a 7.6% reduction in the chain’s American footprint.