Church's Chicken Plans 900 New US Stores, Targets KFC

Church's Texas Chicken is set to challenge KFC's dominance in the fried chicken market with plans to open 900 new restaurants across the U.S. and Europe. This expansion aims to strengthen its presence in key markets, including France and Germany, as well as emerging markets in Hungary and Morocco. Meanwhile, KFC has been struggling, ranking third in sales behind Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, as it faces fierce competition and economic challenges that have led to restaurant closures among some franchisees. The growing popularity of chains like Raising Cane's, which is also closing locations for Easter, emphasizes the shifting landscape of the fried chicken sector. As competition intensifies, brands need to innovate and adapt to changing consumer demands to maintain their market position. The fried chicken industry is at a crossroads, with established players like KFC needing to respond to the rise of new competitors and shifting consumer preferences.