Fast food giant KFC has unveiled plans to establish more than 50 new dining locations across the UK in 2025, forming a key part of a £1.5bn ($2.04bn) investment to expand its presence in the UK and Ireland (UK&I).

Currently operating 1,000 restaurants nationwide, KFC has set a target to open 500 additional venues by 2034.

BDC Magazine reports that the restaurant company has pledged £466m up to 2030 to drive this expansion, while also committing to revamp more than 200 existing sites to upgrade facilities and improve customer satisfaction.

To achieve this growth, KFC is searching for both freehold and leasehold properties, focusing on sites in retail parks, leisure complexes, high streets, transport hubs, shopping centres and food courts.

The chain is particularly interested in drive-through locations ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 acres and in-line units spanning between 1,200ft² and 2,500ft².

The expansion will cover all regions of the UK and Ireland, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and prominence.

To encourage property experts to identify suitable locations, KFC is offering a £20,000 finder’s fee for successful site recommendations.

The initiative highlights KFC’s confidence in the UK and Irish markets and its dedication to long-term development.

In November 2023, KFC UK&I collaborated with Uber Direct to facilitate fast order deliveries to its customers in the region.

Orders placed by the customers via the KFC app will use the same tech and courier network that powers Uber Eats.