Chinese C-Stores Get KFC
The first franchised chicken QSR opens inside a Chinese gas station.
Dec 24, 2019
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Drivers in China can now get KFC as they fill up their tank, reports Inside Retail Asia. Yum China Holdings has opened its first franchised KFC restaurant inside a PetroChina gas station. The second one will open soon in a Sinopec station operated by China Petrochemical Corporation.
“The first franchised gas station restaurants represent an important milestone in our long-term strategic partnership with both companies,” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. “Together with Sinopec and CNPC, we are committed to building a successful business model and creating innovation-driven growth together.”
The initial pilot of the KFC restaurant concept opened in October 2018 at a PetroChina gas station. PetroChina is operated by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). According to the agreement, KFC has become PetroChina’s only Western quick-service restaurant franchise partner in its gas station channel.
The two retail companies, PetroChina and Sinopec, operate more than 50,000 gas stations in China, so the potential is big for Yum brands, which also includes Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Yum China aims to open more than 100 outlets in the next three years.
Global
