KFC enters Pune, more outlets planned

KFC, one of the world's leading quick service chains, has opened its first outlet in Maharashtra with an entry into Pune.

KFC opened doors to its first restaurant in Mariplex, Kalyani Nagar, in Pune on April 10.

KFC is part of Yum! Restaurants, the world's largest restaurant company and the parent company of Pizza leader Pizza Hut.

The entry of KFC into Pune is a significant milestone in KFC's plans to extend its presence across the country. Currently KFC is present in India with five restaurants, four in Bangalore and one in Chandigarh.

Over the next few months, KFC will enter cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad and other metros. The chain now plans to scale up to 15 restaurants by the end of this year.

Commenting on KFC's entry into Pune, Sharanita Keswani, Director KFC Marketing, Yum! Restaurants International, said, "This is a very significant day for us as we enter Maharashtra. Our endeavor to put a Yum! on every face and the immense potential of this market has brought us to Pune. Things are looking good, and I am confident that this restaurant will pave the way for many more to come."

In the Pune venture, KFC has tied up with Mumbai-based Kernel Foods Private Limited as their new franchisee to operate the restaurant in Pune. Said, KFC's new franchisee head, Asif Adil said: "Kernel Foods is proud to be associated with a leading brand like KFC. We are very excited to be here and expect the new restaurant to be a runaway success in Pune."

In addition to its globally renowned range of chicken-based products, KFC has developed a range of 100 per cent pure vegetarian products containing all vegetarian ingredients and flavoured to suit the Indian palate.

The pricing will begin from as low as Rs 23 for a burger.