KFC is accelerating its development plan in Emilia-Romagna and opening a new restaurant in Castenaso, just outside Bologna. With this opening, the group now has ten locations in the region, consolidating a presence that has tripled in the last three years and now represents approximately 7% of the brand's entire Italian network.
The opening of the new store on June 11th in the Centronova Shopping Center has created 20 new jobs, adding to the approximately 180 KFC already employs in the region. Overall, the company now employs approximately 200 people in Emilia-Romagna.
The growth doesn't stop there. By the end of 2026, the group plans to open four more restaurants in the region, for a total of five new openings this year, including the one in Castenaso. The plan will involve investments of approximately €5 million and the creation of 100 new jobs.
"Emilia-Romagna represents a region with high potential for KFC, where we continue to create concrete opportunities for consolidation and further development," said KFC Italy CEO Corrado Cagnola. "We will continue to invest in the region with the goal of making our presence increasingly widespread and closer to consumers."
The regional network currently covers six provinces. The Bologna area remains the main growth hub, with three restaurants: the one at the Central Station, the one in the Gran Reno shopping center in Casalecchio, and the new store in Castenaso. Parma has two restaurants, while locations in Reggio Emilia, Modena, Ravenna, Rimini, and Forlì complete the regional presence.
The development is supported by both franchise operators and the corporate franchisee Spoon Direct, which directly manages four restaurants, including the recently opened one. The strategy aims to address various consumption opportunities through differentiated formats: outlets in shopping malls, drive-through restaurants, and locations in high-traffic areas like the Bologna train station.
The new restaurant in Castenaso was designed as a space dedicated to families, young people, and workers, with digital services and integrated purchasing options. Customers can order at the register, via self-service kiosks, or using the official app with the "Click & Collect" service, in addition to takeout and home delivery options.
With 153 restaurants operating in 17 Italian regions, KFC thus confirms the role of Emilia-Romagna among the key areas of its growth strategy in the country, focusing on investment, employment, and expansion of the sales network.
