KFC opens outlet in Hyd

Hyderabadis will now get to taste a different kebab, the Colonel Sander's secret chicken recipe made with a blend of 11 herbs and spices, more popularly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

The country's 10th KFC outlet and the first equity (self-owned) restaurant was opened by Art Rautio, vice-president and managing director, Yum! Restaurants Asia Private Limited, here on Thursday.

Till now, Yum promoted the KFC brand through the franchisee model. US-based Yum! Restaurants International (YRI) is more well-known through its other brand, the Pizza Hut, spread across 126 locations in 26 cities in the country.

Announcing the formal launch of the restaurant, Rautio said, "We see India as the key growth market for Yum brands. There is tremendous long-term growth opportunities in the Indian market. KFC is a $12.2 billion brand worldwide and we plan to make a stronger presence by expanding our stores in the coming months."

Yum Restaurants International current worldwide sales are $28 billion, Rautio said. Responding to a question on the KFC's chicken preparation controversy, Sandeep Kohli, managing director, Indian sub-continent, said that the entire thing was blown out of proportion. KFC sources its chicken from Pune-based Venkateshwara Hatcheries.

The KFC restaurant located in Secunderabad is spread over 4,500 sft and can accommodate about 150 people at a time.

"Depending on the response, we plan to open a few more outlets in the city," said Arvind Mediratta, chief marketing officer, Indian sub-continent.

In the last six months, KFC has opened two outlets in Pune and one in Kolkata. "We shall open one more restaurant in Ludhiana next week and one each in Mumbai and Delhi in the coming months," he said.