Kentucky Fried Chicken’s “finger licking good” blend of herbs and spices can now be enjoyed in a new, fancier, atmosphere with the grand opening of Open House this weekend in McKinney, Texas. There’s even table service.
“Rooted in the Colonel's spirit of hospitality, Open House is a modern expression of KFC that brings together a menu built for how guests eat today, approachable value, modern design, genuine hospitality and new reasons to visit,” said a Thursday press release from KFC.
KFC was founded by Harlan David Sanders (known as Colonel Sanders) and it has been serving fried chicken since 1952. Today, there are more than 30,000 KFC locations worldwide.
Open House is different though. Most KFC locations use a fast food model with drive through and counter service. At Open House, guests will be able to relax in a 3,400 sq. ft. mid-century inspired space honoring the era when KFC was born.
Its design “features warm timber accents, oversized windows and flexible indoor, outdoor and breezeway seating for up to 52 guests.”
While the design is an ode to the 1950s, the experience will have 21st century benefits, including self-kiosks and digital menu boards. There will also be a drive-thru with dual lanes, including a dedicated mobile pickup lane.
“Every aspect of the Open House experience is designed around a simple idea: digital where it helps, and human where it matters,” KFC said. “The service model pairs technology and convenience with personal touches designed to make every guest feel at home.”
There’s also a “Celebration Booth with a digitally enhanced, immersive photo booth experience built for the moments worth sharing,” and a “Swag Bar featuring exclusive KFC-branded apparel and souvenirs,” the press release said.
When it comes to food, Open House will feature a breakfast, regular and late-night menu offerings, and expanded options “to give guests more choice through more formats, flavors and pairings, while keeping restaurant execution in mind.”
Of course, its iconic chicken with 11 herbs and spices is on the menu, including premium sandwiches. There will also be a whole lineup of sauces, from classics like Kentucky BBQ and Ranch to Jalapeño Ranch, Garlic Parmesan and more. There’s beloved sides like mashed potatoes and new additions like fried green beans. Then, KFC’s new breakfast offerings that include breakfast sandwiches, hashbrown sticks and mini cronuts.
At Open House, drinks will be a whole new frontier. According to the press release, it will be the place where it debuts part of KFC’s global beverage strategy, with a range of “bold, flavor-forward drinks, including lemonades, boba refreshers and Krunch shakes.” At breakfast, there will be coffee and lattes.
“Homemade Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Mini Cronuts round out the menu, giving guests a reason to stay a little longer,” said KFC.
A grand opening event will be held on Sept. 26, 2026 and a public celebration will be held the following day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT.
“Open House brings the Kentucky Fried Comeback to life in one restaurant,” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC U.S. “We’re building on the craveable fried chicken and genuine hospitality people have always loved about KFC, while introducing new flavors, new experiences and more ways to enjoy the brand. It gives guests a reason to try us, or try us again, while giving us a real restaurant where we can learn what works for guests, our teams and the business, and scale the strongest ideas across the system.”
KFC hopes to “learn what works and identify ideas that could benefit KFC’s 3,500+ U.S. restaurants,” from Open House. Its doors will be open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight daily.
As dining habits change, well-known chains like KFC are looking for new ways to reach customers. For example, Denny’s recently announced a new delivery program. McDonald’s previously tried out a beverage-focused concept like CosMc’s in 2023, but it shuttered all the locations last year, according to CNN.
