KFC shuts down over 300 U.S. restaurants, California sees biggest losses
KFC closed 312 locations across the United States between July 2025 and July 2026, with California accounting for 44 of those closures.
Research from Local Falcon revealed that KFC permanently shuttered 312 restaurants in the United States between July 2025 and July 2026, with California losing 44 sites, the most of any state. The methodology involved comparing the chain’s public store locator listings over the period and confirming each 404 error with Google Maps. Texas followed with 34 closures, Ohio with 18, and Kansas recorded the steepest percentage drop, closing eight of its 38 outlets.
Meanwhile, Yum! Brands announced a 7% increase in unit growth in its July-released second-quarter report and noted the opening of 660 new restaurants across 55 countries in the first quarter. Customer sentiment remains low for KFC, which averages a 3.42-star rating across 2,885 U.S. locations, trailing behind Chick-fil-A’s 4.30 stars and Raising Cane’s 4.29 stars. In July, the chain reintroduced its nostalgic popcorn chicken nuggets for a limited run.
Why it matters
The closures highlight shifting consumer preferences and pressure on a major fast-food brand in key U.S. markets.
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