"It feels like KFC has been around forever, and there's a reason for that. Colonel Harland Sanders opened his first franchise way back in 1952, predating almost every chicken-based fast-food chain now populating cities, shopping districts, airports, and university campuses. That new breed is perhaps why KFC, originally named Kentucky Fried Chicken, can sometimes feels a bit outdated, though in a lovable comfort-food kind of way."
"But the fried-chicken king of yesteryear aims to regain its throne through several big changes in 2026. Many of those changes involve subtle variations in menu items, but bigger alterations are rolling out, too, from systemic technological improvements to attention-grabbing modern concept stores. With new budget-friendly bowls and buckets, a celebrity collaboration, Saucy hangouts, and AI enhancements, here's a look at how the Colonel's legacy is updating in the coming year."
"One welcome change you'll quickly notice is that KFC is going all-in on bowl meals, especially bowl-foods tied to the comfort-food genre we all love. Launched in January 2026 the starting lineup features five $5 Comfort Bowls, including a cheesy gravy bowl, standard or spicy versions of mac & cheese, and standard or spicy mashed potatoes. The buzziest by far is Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, a culinary collaboration with chef Matty Matheson"
KFC, founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952 and originally named Kentucky Fried Chicken, is updating its brand and menu in 2026. The company is emphasizing comfort-food bowl meals with five $5 Comfort Bowls launched in January 2026, including cheesy gravy, mac & cheese (regular and spicy), and mashed potatoes (regular and spicy). The lineup includes a high-profile collaboration with chef Matty Matheson and offers Wisconsin-style fried cheese curds as a side or snack box. KFC is also rolling out systemic technological improvements, AI enhancements, modern concept stores, budget-friendly buckets, and new Saucy hangout concepts.
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