Beyond Meat lands a major customer! KFC to trial plant-based fried chicken.

Friends near Atlanta—the capital and largest city of Georgia, USA—are in for a treat! On Tuesday, August 27 (U.S. Eastern Time), KFC will partner with Beyond Meat—the so-called 'first U.S. plant-based meat IPO'—to launch a limited-time tasting of its plant-based chicken products. According to a joint press release from both companies, KFC—owned by Yum Brands—will become the first U.S. fast-food chain to test Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken products. The trial will take place at KFC’s Cobb Parkway location in Atlanta, open for tastings from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. local time. KFC will use customer feedback to decide whether to expand the trial or roll out the plant-based chicken nationwide. The announcement states that KFC will test two menu items under the name "Beyond Fried Chicken." One option consists of six or twelve boneless plant-based chicken nuggets served with KFC’s classic finger-lickin’ dipping sauce, priced at $6.49 and $8.49 respectively. The other features six or twelve boneless plant-based chicken wings paired with Nashville Hot Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, or Honey Barbecue Sauce, priced at $6 and $12 respectively. Kevin Hochman, President and Chief Concept Officer of KFC U.S., stated in the press release that customers would find it difficult to tell the product apart from real chicken. Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, remarked that KFC is an iconic part of American culture—and expressed regret that Colonel Sanders himself was not alive to witness this milestone moment. According to Tencent Securities, KFC is the latest mainstream restaurant chain to add Beyond Meat products to its menu. Previously, other chains—including Dunkin’ Brands Group, Del Taco Restaurants, Subway, and Canada’s Tim Hortons—have also begun testing Beyond Meat offerings.

Are McDonald’s and KFC among the fast-food brands commonly eaten by locals in the United States?

McDonald’s remains the industry’s pillar, dominating the mid-to-lower end of the fast-food market. KFC, however, is different. I’ve eaten at KFC fewer than three times since arriving in the U.S. There are simply too many fried-chicken options available. KFC’s brand presence here really isn’t all that impressive. Perhaps it’s different in some of the poorer states—but even then, who knows? Still, KFC is like the NBA of the fried-chicken industry: its strong global expansion has given it outsized international influence. The former CEO who relentlessly pursued globalization truly laid a solid foundation for KFC’s success. McDonald’s partners with Coca-Cola, whereas KFC belongs to PepsiCo—you can draw your own conclusions.

KFC Opens Texas Test Restaurant to Reclaim Fried Chicken Crown

Sep 25, 2026

KFC launched a new 'Open House' concept store in McKinney, Texas, featuring breakfast and updated menu items to enhance customer experience and compete with rivals amid declining U.S. sales.

apnews

2026-09-25

KFC Opens Texas Test Restaurant to Reclaim Fried Chicken Crown

KFC Opens Texas Test Restaurant to Reclaim Fried Chicken Crown

FAQ