KFC Whanganui Opens

A new and improved KFC Whanganui reopened Thursday 18 August after a major $1.5 million transformation, creating 12 new jobs for people from the local community.

The newly renovated KFC Whanganui is part of $65-million transformation programme helping to drive continued growth for the company, with the new look restaurant expected to go down a treat with locals.

On Victoria Ave in Whanganui, the new store will boasts an array of features designed to enhance customers’ dining experience, including booth seating and longer tables for family and group dining, as well as a new drive-thru. A new Krushbar will also serve the full range of KFC’s Krushers; the deliciously different drink full of real bits and available in nine fantastic flavours.

KFC’s Whanganui team expect to be busy as locals check out the new store and enjoy their favourite KFC chicken along with new menu options. Grand Opening Celebrations including entertainment and special deals was on Saturday 20 August.

The 12-week refurbishment is part of an ongoing building and transformation project undertaken by KFC’s New Zealand owner Restaurant Brands. Whanganui is the 58th store transformed since 2004 and the fourth store so far in 2011, with more refurbishments planned for the remainder of the year.

The New Zealand-developed design of the new-look stores has proven so popular that it has been picked up by KFC internationally. Restaurant Brands says the transformation programme, along with the ongoing support of local communities, has been pivotal to KFC’s continued top-line growth.

With 12 new jobs created for people in the local community, the KFC Whanganui team has increased to 44.

Part of the Whanganui community for 36 years, KFC’s General Manager Brent Kitto says the company is proud of the new store and grateful for the hard work of everyone involved including store management and staff.

Kitto says the refurbishment brings with it new features like the drive-thru, booth seating and longer tables, and new menu items such as KFC Krushers.

“One thing won’t change though, and that’s the great KFC taste. AT KFC we believe fresh tastes best and we’ll continue to serve up great tasting, fresh chicken meals, burgers and snacks using fresh quality ingredients prepared and cooked to perfection in store so our customers can enjoy the tastiest and most succulent chicken around.”

KFC in New Zealand

New Zealand’s first KFC restaurant opened in Auckland in 1971 serving the Colonel’s Original Recipe chicken. Today, KFC has 98 stores and more than 2,700 staff nationwide, offering great tasting, fresh chicken that keeps customers coming back.

KFC is part of the Restaurant Brands Group. Restaurant Brands is listed on the NZX stock exchange and also owns Pizza Hut and Starbucks.