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KFC Bets Americans Want Faux Fried Chicken
The brand’s top U.S. exec says the chain is working on a plant-based option that will try to replicate its trademark offering.
A top KFC executive is bullish on the future of plant-based meat.
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
As president of KFC in the U.S., Kevin Hochman thinks a lot about the future of fried chicken in America. And right now plants — yes, plants — are taking up more of his time.
Hochman runs a division of Yum! Brands with 4,000 stores that has faced multiple hurdles over the past year. There’s the continued strength of rival Popeyes, poultry shortages and the disruption caused by Covid-19. However, the chain has largely come through the pandemic unscathed — maybe even stronger as same-store sales jumped 11% last quarter.