KFC is undertaking a significant brand transformation that encompasses an expanded menu, refreshed branding, and updated restaurant designs. The company plans to introduce a prototype restaurant concept called Open House, which will be tested near its parent company Yum! Brands' headquarters in Plano, Texas.

Catherine Tan-Gillespie, KFC's president, outlined the new direction in a recent interview with Restaurant Business. The prototype aims to modernize the guest experience with an updated aesthetic and an enhanced menu offering. Among the key changes are more than 20 new sauce options, reflecting the brand’s efforts to diversify its culinary appeal.

The Open House concept represents a strategic move by KFC to reposition itself within the highly competitive fast-food market. By piloting the new model near Yum! Brands' corporate offices, the company seeks to closely monitor customer response and operational efficiency before wider rollout.

The menu expansion and refreshed design are part of KFC’s broader initiative to stay relevant and attract a younger demographic while retaining its traditional customer base. The company did not provide a timeline for the prototype’s full launch or details on potential locations beyond the initial test site.