)
KFC is getting the fast-casual makeover in 2016 to keep up with the fast-casual movement. The iconic Southern chain is revamping 70% of its 4,500 restaurants with a fresh design in an attempt to modernize its brand and attract younger crowds of fried chicken enthusiasts.
)
The new look maintains KFC's traditional red-and-white motif, but there are some bold additions: bucket-shaped chandeliers hang from the ceiling; the walls are plastered with photos of Colonel Sanders and messages like "a real meal is made the hard way."
)
The new retro-chic design is inspired by the fast-casual movement—a style popularized by newer chains such as Chipotle, Panera and Shake Shack that offer an upscale fast food alternative.
"KFC wanted to shed their image of being old-fashioned and unhealthy and transform into a hip Southern brand," designer FRCH Design Worldwide says on its website.
)
The chain is betting on the makeover to stave off competition from Chick-fil-A—currently the top fried-chicken chain in the US—and boost sales by at least 3%.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)