KFC’s store closures follow a 4.6% sales decline in 2025 amid broader slowdown in fast-food chicken sector growth.
KFC closed 300 restaurants over the past year as the fast-food chicken category’s growth decelerated to 5.3% in 2025, down from 9.1% in 2024. The closures coincide with a 4.6% sales drop for the chain in 2025, following a 5.2% decline in 2024.
The chicken sector’s slowing momentum impacted major players, with Popeyes reporting a 0.5% sales decline in 2025 after 3.9% growth the prior year. Chick-fil-A’s growth also moderated to 5.2% from 5.4% in 2024. KFC’s system sales grew 6% in 2025, driven by 7% unit expansion and 2% same-store sales growth.
The closures reflect intensifying competition in the fast-food chicken space, where differentiation has become increasingly challenging amid shifting consumer demand.