Emerging Brands

KFC's new spinoff brands take root in Asia

K Pro Asia

KFC China in July launched a fast-casual spinoff focused on fresh and healthy dining. K Pro, in Hangzhou, has a menu positioned around salads and panini, with proteins that expand beyond chicken to include seafood. Drinks include fresh juices and beer. Plans to expand have not been disclosed. In a market where KFC is facing increasing competition among both global and local QSRs, a fast-casual concept backed by significant brand equity could provide a springboard for expansion.

In Japan, KFC has launched a concept called The Table by KFC. The deli-style restaurant focuses on homestyle fried chicken, salads and sides, all made in-house. Designed for takeaway, guests order via a production line with displays of available options, like whole fried chickens, fried thighs and pumpkin-walnut salad. KFC says the concept was developed for high-traffic locations like rail stations and shopping areas where busy consumers may be looking for a fast meal option for themselves or their families. 
 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Why social media, and not price, is behind Starbucks' sales problems

The Bottom Line: The coffee shop chain lost momentum quickly in November. That was too fast to be explained by consumer reaction over the prices of its beverages.

Financing

Franchisors who want faster remodels should reach into their pocketbooks

The Bottom Line: Burger King is spending $550 million to get more of its restaurants remodeled, not counting its own upgraded restaurants. More brands should do this.

Leadership

Meet the restaurant fixer who now owns Etta

Tech entrepreneur Johann Moonesinghe suddenly finds himself leading a growing group of restaurants. His secret? He doesn't expect to make a profit.

Trending

More from our partners