Iconic fast-food fried chicken chain closes over 300 restaurants

KFC has shuttered at least 312 of its U.S. locations between July 15, 2025, and July 6, 2026, representing a 7.64% reduction in the chain’s American footprint, according to analysis by Local Falcon, a local artificial intelligence search visibility platform. The closures came as the chicken category faced intensifying competition from established rivals and shifting consumer preferences.
The fried chicken sector experienced moderated growth in 2025, with the category expanding 5.3% compar