KFC Is Trying A Totally New Restaurant Style

KFC has had a big year. In truth, all of its years are pretty big – it’s one of the largest, busiest restaurant chains in the world, lest I remind everyone – but 2026 has been especially transformative for the chain. It kicked things off by laying out big plans for the months ahead, including revamping and refreshing its menu to stay competitive, especially with younger customers. By mid-2026, it was doubling down on a brand refresh, and it felt like the wind was truly in its sails. 

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Now, it’s taking what might be its most interesting step yet. It’s just opened a brand new restaurant, which feels unlike anything that’s come before – and we think KFC lovers will be big fans of the concept. 

Open House

On Saturday, September 26, KFC debuted Open House, a new restaurant in McKinney, Texas, which it says in its press release is “bringing the Kentucky Fried Comeback to life in one place.” The idea behind Open House, it seems, is twofold: It acts both as a destination for KFC fans to try out both its classics and an expanded menu of new items, and it operates as a testing ground and an opportunity for the brand to do some in-person customer research and product development. Essentially, it’s a place where KFC customers can try items before they roll them out nationwide, and the restaurant can see what’s working and what’s not. 

As a result, there’s a lot to choose from – and some pretty cool exclusives. The most eye-catching aspect of Open House is its new breakfast menu: For the first time, you can order breakfast sandwiches, Hashbrown Sticks, Mini Cronuts, coffee, and iced lattes from the chain. It also has new sauces and flavor combos, new drinks, drizzled chicken, and new sides like Fried Green Beans and Spicy Pickles. This is along with all the classics you’d expect, of course, like its Original Recipe chicken, sandwiches, and wraps. 

At Your Service

Along with the new menu items, Open House also operates with a new service style – well, new for the chain, at least. Although it’s pioneering technology like self-service kiosks and digital menu boards, you’re greeted by a lobby host, and food is brought directly to your table. This probably won’t be a feature that makes it to KFC restaurants across the country, but it’s a nice touch that makes the Open House experience distinct. 

Open House is open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, and it looks as though it’s gonna be permanent – so start planning your trip to McKinney now, I guess! Interestingly, KFC isn’t the only chicken chain to do something like this this year: Chick-fil-A has also been testing a new restaurant concept in Maryland. The future of fast food…is here? Maybe?