KFC (Traditional) Franchise: Cost, Fees & Earnings
3,490 locations (2025), -4% YoY(Item 20)
A KFC (Traditional) franchise requires an estimated total investment of $1,207,575 to $4,155,000, including a $45,000 initial franchise fee (2026 FDD, Item 7). Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty of max(5.25% of revenue, $1,440/mo) (Item 6). The 2026 FDD reports a median unit revenue of $1,883,000 for FY2025 (Item 19).
Thinking about financing a KFC (Traditional) franchise?
See what you'd qualify for — free SBA prequalification in minutes.
Prefer to hear from KFC (Traditional) directly?
Median Revenue (AUV)
$1,883,000
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 19
Initial Investment
$1,207,575 – $4,155,000
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5
Royalty
max(5.25% of revenue, $1,440/mo)
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6
KFC (Traditional) Franchise Key Facts
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | $1,207,575 – $4,155,000Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7 | |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5 | |
| Royalty | max(5.25% of revenue, $1,440/mo)Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6 | |
| Median Revenue (AUV) | $1,883,000Source: 2026 FDD, Item 19 | |
| Total Locations | 3,490 (2025)Source: Item 20 |
KFC (Traditional) Franchise Fees
Initial franchise fee(Item 5)
$45,000
Ongoing royalty(Item 6)
max(5.25% of revenue, $1,440/mo)
National ad / brand fund(Item 6)
5.8% exact
Technology fee(Item 6)
$3,569/mo
Buildout / construction(Item 7)
$1,675,000 – $3,506,000
Additional Item 5–6 fees (transfer, renewal, area development, and any veteran discounts) are not yet parsed on Franchable — see the brand's FDD for the full fee schedule.
About KFC (Traditional)
KFC franchises offer customers a menu primarily consisting of chicken entree items, including chicken-on-the-bone, sandwiches, strips, and approved sides like biscuits, potatoes, desserts, and beverages. The business model involves franchisees operating outlets at specific locations, utilizing KFC's trademarks and system. The target market is broad, encompassing consumers seeking quick-service, affordable meals. KFC's value proposition centers on providing consistent, recognizable, and convenient food options through a well-established brand. KFCLLC seeks franchisees with multi-unit operational experience who wish to commit to developing and operating multiple Outlets.
Gross Sales by Performance TierSource: 2026 FDD Item 19
KFC (Traditional) is one of 1,600+ brands on Franchable — search, filter & compare the full directory in Discover.
Explore all brands →AUV Trend — Multi-Year Median Revenue
Additional Item 19 Analysis
Deeper Item 19 Analysis (Charts 3–6)
Openings & Closings, Transfer Rates, Franchise vs Corporate Mix
KFC (Traditional) vs Competitors
Explore 1,600+ franchise brands in Discover
Search, filter & sort the full directory — KFC (Traditional) is just one of them. Deep per-brand data unlocks with Pro.
Similar Food & Beverage franchises
Comparable alternatives to KFC (Traditional) by industry and investment size.
Thinking about financing a KFC (Traditional) franchise?
See what you'd qualify for — free SBA prequalification in minutes.
Prefer to hear from KFC (Traditional) directly?
Financing a franchise? Start here
- How SBA Loans Actually Work
- Why SBA Loans Get Denied
- Getting an SBA Loan With Bad Credit
- SBA Loans With No Money Down
- Documents Needed for an SBA Loan
Comparing options? Browse all franchise brands on Franchable →
KFC (Traditional) Franchise FAQ
How much does a KFC (Traditional) franchise cost?
Per Item 7 of the 2026 FDD Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from $1,207,575 to $4,155,000.
What is the KFC (Traditional) franchise fee?
The FDD reports an initial franchise fee of $45,000.
What royalty does KFC (Traditional) charge?
The FDD reports an ongoing royalty of max(5.25% of revenue, $1,440/mo).
How much revenue does a KFC (Traditional) franchise generate?
The 2026 FDD reports a median revenue per unit of $1,883,000 for fiscal year 2025. Individual results vary.
How much does a KFC (Traditional) franchise owner make?
KFC (Traditional) disclosed median unit revenue of $1,883,000 in FY2025 (Item 19). It does not disclose unit-level profit, so a reliable owner-income figure can't be drawn from its FDD. Individual results vary.
Can I finance a KFC (Traditional) franchise with an SBA loan?
Many franchise purchases are financed with SBA 7(a) loans covering a large share of the total project cost. You can check what you'd qualify for with Franchable's free SBA prequalification.
Data sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchable is not affiliated with or endorsed by KFC (Traditional). This is not an offer to sell a franchise. Individual results vary.