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Could KFC be dethroned? Rivals circle as chicken shops boom in UK
Sky News UK ^ | Jan 28 | Sky News UK

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 ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat
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Oh no. They're coming for the colonel ?

To be honest, it's getting expensive now especially with delivery on top...

1 posted on 01/28/2026 5:02:14 AM PST by RandFan
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To: RandFan

We have a chicken chain called Bush’s here in Texas that is 100 times better than KFC.


2 posted on 01/28/2026 5:08:13 AM PST by TexasFreeper2009
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To: TexasFreeper2009

That’s a pretty low bar if you ask me.

Personally, I’m partial to Publix deli fried chicken.


3 posted on 01/28/2026 5:09:16 AM PST by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
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To: RandFan

Has anyone tried Golden Fried Chicken as can be seen at the 33 second mark in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyu1KKwC74


4 posted on 01/28/2026 5:09:49 AM PST by posterchild
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To: RandFan

“chicken shops”

Those crazy brits sure have a funny way of talking.

Having said that, what keeps me away from KFC and most fast food for that matter is cost and the employees.

Last time I was in a KFC or Popeyes it was a real 3rd world experience.


5 posted on 01/28/2026 5:11:02 AM PST by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave)
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To: TexasFreeper2009

Is it based out of Midland?


6 posted on 01/28/2026 5:12:03 AM PST by pingman (Hi Ho Silver! AWAY!)
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To: FreedomPoster

“I’m partial to Publix deli fried chicken”

+1.....and Publix is considerably less expensive.

Rotisserie chicken as well.


7 posted on 01/28/2026 5:12:28 AM PST by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave)
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To: FreedomPoster

Publix fried chicken is really good!


8 posted on 01/28/2026 5:14:20 AM PST by albie
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To: V_TWIN
Last time I was in a KFC or Popeyes it was a real 3rd world experience.

Damn straight and the quality of food sucks too. I've seen three chicken shops open in the past 6 months within my local. Choice of "Mother Clucker", "Korean BBQ" and a small deli that carries Red's Chicken. All superior to KFC by miles and doesn't make you feel like you've traveled to a 3rd-world crap-hole.

9 posted on 01/28/2026 5:23:14 AM PST by paulcissa (The left hates you and wants you dead.)
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To: pingman

not sure, but they are everywhere here. And their sweet tea is to die for


10 posted on 01/28/2026 5:24:16 AM PST by TexasFreeper2009
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To: RandFan

I haven’t had a piece of fried chicken since the 1990s and that chicken was KFC. The stuff is essentially a potential heart attack with every meal you eat. The grease is dripping into your veins as you eat it... Yuk!

That being said... When we were kids Mom and Dad brought it home on a regular basis... It was available in Canada way before McDonald’s showed up, so it was our first ‘fast food’.


11 posted on 01/28/2026 5:25:48 AM PST by jerod (Nazis were essentially Socialist in Hugo Boss uniforms... Get over it!)
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To: paulcissa

Very sad because here in the states a million years ago (more like 60) KFC was so good it was supernatural. I can still remember how good as if it was here in front of me. Alas that version is no more.


12 posted on 01/28/2026 5:27:29 AM PST by Williams (Thank God for the election of President Trump!)
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To: paulcissa

My wife likes Popeyes so occasionally I’ll take her to the one in the food park at the local mall for a takeout......last 2 times all the employees were Hispanic and not one damned one of ‘em spoke English......


13 posted on 01/28/2026 5:32:19 AM PST by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave)
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To: paulcissa

There are several Korean fried chicken eateries here in North Orange County, Calif., and they’re all much better than KFC. Jollibee, the Filipino fried chicken mentioned in the article, also has a few restaurants in the area.


14 posted on 01/28/2026 5:36:50 AM PST by Fiji Hill
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To: RandFan

I’m a spicy chicken fan. I think Popeye’s edges out KFC. There’s also a grocery chain in East Texas called Brookshire Brothers (not Brookshires) that has really good spicy chicken. There’s also a local chain called Quick Chick that has good chicken and super good iced tea. When you order a corn on the cob, you get a full corn on the cob and not just a half. And, it’s really good.


15 posted on 01/28/2026 5:37:08 AM PST by eastexsteve
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To: jerod

Two new chicken joints in my town: Raisin Cane’s and Chik Fil A. Both have double-barrel drive throughs and some avid customers.


16 posted on 01/28/2026 5:37:53 AM PST by drwoof
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To: RandFan

IT’s the same “KFC” though. Overseas the menu is very different and sells hot dogs and other kinds of junk food.


17 posted on 01/28/2026 5:38:18 AM PST by lodi90
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To: Williams

I guess the Col’s secret for Chicken was peanut oil and a pressure cooker. Their prices have exploded these days. We used to go there to get a bucket for $5 when I was a kid.


18 posted on 01/28/2026 5:39:45 AM PST by Pol-92064 (tax)
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To: RandFan

With regards to the US, KFC dethroned itself when they changed their recipe from Finger Lickin’ Good to mediocre. We used to love the stuff. The chicken, gravy and the rest. Then it went to very bland.

There are a number of places that sell chicken far superior to KFC. Even that crap Walmart sells as a hot food item is better.


19 posted on 01/28/2026 5:43:04 AM PST by redfreedom (They’re AWFUL...Affuent White Female Urban Leftists)
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To: eastexsteve

If you are ever in Chicago, give Harold’s Chicken Shack a try. Quality varies, as Harold doesn’t keep a close eye on franchisees, but it is generally better quality chicken, well doused in hot sauce.


20 posted on 01/28/2026 5:44:09 AM PST by Dr. Sivana ("Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." (John 2:5))
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