Posted on 01/28/2026 5:02:14 AM PST by RandFan
The fried chicken market has exploded in the past two years, with heavily backed newcomers such as Popeyes, Dave's and Wingstop appearing on high (main ) streets across the country.
"Fast-food in the UK is undergoing a significant transformation, with chicken shops leading a rapid expansion in store numbers, a phenomenon that can be seen in high streets across the country," say food industry analysts Meaningful Vision.
"Our data reveals a tale of extraordinary growth, fierce competition."
In 2024, chicken shop growth outpaced all other fast-food segments by nearly 12%, with London accounting for 21% of openings, the West Midlands 11% and the North West 12%.
Industry insiders told Money the growth was driven by younger people, with market analysis showing Gen Zers visit fried chicken restaurants more than twice as often as the UK average.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.sky.com ...
It’s to the point now where it’s cheaper to buy chicken at a restaurant than at KFC.
I want 4 fried chickens and a coke.
Same here for Publix deli fried chicken.
Make it at home. You can’t trust the oils they use at these places.
When they changed their oil they also changed their recipes.
I used to love Original, but with the new recipe and oil, Extra Crispy is the better tasting one.
My wife doesn’t enjoy their chicken, any longer, with either Original or Extra Crispy.
KFC ranges from good to meh, depending on the franchise owner.
Am done with KFC piece dinners. 3 of the last 4 times the chicken is pink in some spots.
Will stick with the crispy strips going forward for the 1-2 times a year I go to
KFC.
There may be something to that. I really like the taste of Popeyes fried chicken but an hour after I eat it I always feel really bloated. And I usually only have a couple of pieces and a side of mashed potatoes.
KFC abdicated decades ago.
I think Chik-fil-a is way overrated. It’s just blah. But your point is valid: there are tons of places that sell chicken these days. Hell, a nearby Philips 76 gas station has a little restaurant inside that sells excellent tenders and sandwiches. Me, I love the 11 herbs and spices. But it’s two expensive and the breasts are tiny
You’re supposed to be there for the food and not their waitresses.
Doh! Foiled again!
Fast food in Europe is infinitely better than here in the States. That includes KFC.
I still go to Popeye's occasionally. Chic-Fila has been my go to the last couple of years. 30 piece nugget and a Chocolate shake +1
In our area, the local KFC used to be great. Last I bought a few weeks ago was so bad I could not eat it.
Now I shop Popeyes, but prefer Churches. Sadly there are no Churches Chicken around here any more. And I am in the middle of chicken raising country!
It WAS good then, very good. I think they cut down on the time in the pressure cooker so they make it faster, but it's just not as good as it used to be.
Sorry, lame joke: Bush...Midland
I haven't been to a KFC in over 20 years.
The best fried chicken near me is literally called "The Chicken Shop". A little family owned place with southern style chicken, catfish, shrimp, oysters, hushpuppies, okra, biscuits, etc. They fry it while you wait, so it's always hot and fresh.
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