KFC opens Texas prototype restaurant to test new menu and service

KFC has launched a new restaurant prototype called ‘Open House’ in McKinney, Texas, to serve as a testing laboratory for its U.S. comeback strategy. The concept aims to shift the brand from a traditional quick-service model toward a hospitality-focused experience, similar to a luxury retailer.

The Open House location introduces several major changes, most notably the debut of a breakfast menu in the United States, featuring items such as breakfast sandwiches, hashbrown sticks, and mini cronuts. The menu also includes new beverages like boba refreshers and crunchy-topped milkshakes, alongside expanded side options like fried green beans and spicy pickles.

Technologically, the restaurant utilizes digital kiosks for ordering to allow staff to focus on table service. The design also features dual drive-thru lanes, a mobile order pickup station, a photo booth, and a merchandise counter. While the full extent of the rollout to KFC’s 3,424 U.S. locations is unconfirmed, certain beverage items are expected to expand more broadly following successful international launches.