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Tag: KFC

  • Pizza Hut Malaysia 400th store opens soon

    Pizza Hut Malaysia 400th store opens soon

    Pizza Hut Malaysia will open its 400th store in within the next three months. The company says it plans 15 new stores this calendar year, part of the 67 it announced last year within three years. Parent QSR Brands operates 810 KFC locations in its territory of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Cambodia, drawing 25 million customers per month. It has another 393 Pizza Huts in Malaysia and 80 in Singapore, attracting 6 million diners per month.

    QSR Brands restaurants division CEO Merrill Pereyra said Pizza Hut anticipates a strong year as it heads towards a planned IPO in the next quarter, partly aimed to raise capital for network expansion.

  • Yum! appointed new leader for Pizza Hut Asia Pacific

    Yum! appointed new leader for Pizza Hut Asia Pacific

    Pizza Hut International on Tuesday announced that Unnat Varma, Managing Director, Pizza Hut India Subcontinent has been elevated to the position of Managing Director, Pizza Hut Asia Pacific effective 1 January 2019. In his new role, he will be responsible for steering Pizza Hut to the next phase of growth across the Asia Pacific region. Varma will be based in Pizza Hut APAC headquarters at Singapore and will report to Vipul Chawla, President, Pizza Hut International. As part of the APAC growth strategy, Pizza Hut India-Subcontinent will now be inducted under the Asia Pacific Business Unit. In total, Varma will oversee over 5500 stores across 22 countries.

    With Varma at the helm since 2015, Pizza Hut India-subcontinent has achieved strong business results with 10 successive quarters of positive Same Store Sales Growth. The brand has also expanded its physical store footprint – having recently launched its 500th physical store in the Indian Subcontinent.

    Under his stewardship, Pizza Hut has also pioneered the Fast-Casual Delco (FCD) concept in India, which offers a seamless integration of dine-in, takeaway and delivery channels, all under one roof and also upgraded all its digi-tech assets including the website, m-site and mobile app.

    These initiatives have enabled Pizza Hut to deliver on the promise of providing the Easiest, Fastest and the Tastiest pizza experience to consumers in India. As a result, Pizza Hut has been voted the most trusted brand in India for the 12th time in a row (as per a reputed media house) and was awarded the prestigious EFFIE Gold in the Foods and Confectionery category in 2018 for its outstanding consumer-centric performance.

    Varma is a respected and credible leader with over 24 years of industry experience. He joined Yum! in February 2006 and was elevated to Director Marketing, KFC, India Subcontinent in 2008. In February 2011, he took over the role of General Manager – Taco Bell and was responsible for launching the brand as the next growth engine for Yum! in India.

    After successfully establishing a strong foundation for KFC and Taco Bell, Varma was appointed as General Manager – Pizza Hut, India Subcontinent in December 2015and thereafter promoted as Managing Director – Pizza Hut, India Subcontinent in February 2016.

    Varma is also the Chairman of FICCI Task Force on Food Service Retail. Prior to joining Yum!, he worked with Gillette in India for 12 years across sales and marketing functions.

  • KFC Thailand benefits from transforming franchise model

    KFC Thailand benefits from transforming franchise model

    Fast-food restaurant chain KFC Thailand is on track to achieve double digit year-end sales growth since transforming itself into a 100-per-cent franchised model, exceeding business expectations.The largest restaurant chain in Thailand is also set to accomplish a record high of 75 new outlet openings this year, 39 per cent above target and pushing the total number of outlets in Thailand past 700, including 65 drive-through branches.

    GM for KFC, Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) Waewkanee Assoratgoon said Yum Thailand has successfully transformed itself into a 100-per cent franchisor business in only one year.

    “Our organisation is now in a good shape with an effective structure so that we can expect the most efficiency within the entire business operation.”

    KFC Thailand franchise operator Yrit secured the No 1 position and top-of-mind QSR brand as surveyed by Thai business magazinesMarketeer and Brandage, as well as picking up awards for social media penetration.

    Thailand is KFC’s eighth largest international market.

  • Auntie Anne’s to make debut in Myanmar

    Auntie Anne’s to make debut in Myanmar

    Yoma Strategic and the parent company of pretzel franchise Auntie Anne’s – Focus Brands – are to bring the popular hand-rolled soft pretzel store to Myanmar. Myanmar’s first Auntie Anne’s outlet is scheduled to open in Yangon in the coming months with a more ambitious expansion planned over the next five years.

    Auntie Anne’s recently celebrated 30 years of operations and currently has more than 1800 outlets in 30 countries, including more than 600 locations outside of the US. The brand has established a strong presence in Asia.

    Yoma Strategic CEO Mr. Melvyn Pun said the company was seeing considerable growth in the market for freshly baked goods.

    “While many street vendors do offer traditional Myanmar alternatives, the addition of an iconic international brand will only enrich the local foodscape. It is also a big opportunity for a global brand to come in and offer consumers an exciting new twist on the current offerings in this sector.”

    Yoma F&B’s franchise portfolio also includes KFC and Little Sheep Hotpot. Yoma F&B is targeting the shifting consumption patterns and the rising discretionary disposable income of Myanmar’s expanding middle class, a group forecasted to reach 10 million by 2023.

  • KFC Myanmar to open 70 more stores

    KFC Myanmar to open 70 more stores

    KFC Myanmar plans to expand into new territories as locals embrace the fast-food concept.

    Two recent openings in Monywa and Pyay have brought the number of KFC outlets in Myanmar to 26 across six regions, only eight of which are outside Yangon. The local franchisee, Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic, has indicated plans to open 70 stores throughout the country by its 2023–2024 financial year.

    Yoma CEO Melvyn Pun said KFC Myanmar has experienced “better-than-expected performance” in its new stores, highlighting the potential to expand beyond Yangon.

    “Due to rising disposable incomes, greater connectivity and economic development, we are seeing a rise in consumer spending in food and beverage, not just in Yangon but also in other towns and cities.”

    Yoma also has partnerships with whisky brand Pernod Ricard and German wholesaler Metro Group. It is targeting a portfolio of six brands and more than 125 locations in Myanmar within five years.

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  • QSR starts selling in Foodpanda Malaysia platform

    QSR starts selling in Foodpanda Malaysia platform

    Malaysia’s largest fast-food operator QSR Brands is partnering with Foodpanda Malaysia to deliver its Pizza Hut and KFC orders, according to a Deal Street Asia report.

    The move is expected to increase food revenue for the firm by 15–20 per cent, and allow delivery outlets for both brands to increase to 480 by the end of this year, and 730 before 2020.

    QSR MD Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil said: “This will provide a new revenue stream by serving not only our non-delivery outlets but also complement existing delivery outlets.”

    QSR is expected to list on Bursa Malaysia this November, seeking to raise around RM2 billion (US$500 million), raising its market capitalisation to an estimated RM6 billion ($1.5 billion).

  • Yum China sales performs growth from expansion

    Yum China sales performs growth from expansion

    Yum China sales rose 12 per cent in the quarter to June 30, boosted by more stores and currency gains.

    But same-store sales declined across both of its brands and margins contracted.

    The company reported total sales of US$2.1 billion which on a currency-neutral basis was 5 per cent better than for the same quarter last year. KFC sales rose 5 per cent, partially offset by a 1 per cent decline by Pizza Hut.

    However, same-store sales declined 1 per cent year-on-year, with flat same-store sales at KFC and a 4 per cent decrease at Pizza Hut.

    During the period, Yum China opened 164 stores, taking its network to 8198 across more than 1200 cities.

    Operating profit rose 13 per cent to $193 million (or by 5 per cent excluding foreign exchange effects).

    Joey Wat, CEO at Yum China, said the growth was driven by “solid business fundamentals and accelerated new store development”.

    “We are on track to add 600-650 new stores, led by KFC, by the end of the year. This strategy will set us up for long-term growth in both profitability and market share,” she said.

    While Pizza Hut continued to face challenges in China’s competitive casual dining space, Yum China added new talent to its team and is working on repositioning the brand with its target customers.

    “We remain dedicated to revitalising the brand and strongly believe that our initiatives including delivering more innovative products and introducing new store formats will restore the brand to the level of consistent growth that our shareholders expect,” said Wat.

    Jacky Lo, CFO at Yum China, said the company stepped up food investment and promotional activities during the quarter, which inevitably had some impact on its margins.

    “This reflects our strategic decision to invest in our brands for long-term market share gain.”

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  • KFC Singapore bans plastic for dine-in customers

    KFC Singapore bans plastic for dine-in customers

    KFC Singapore is jettisoning plastic straws and drink-cup lids in its restaurants in a sustainability initiative it says will cut 17.9 tonnes of single-use plastic waste in a year.

    Dine-in guests of its 84 restaurants in Singapore will not be served lids and straws from June 20, but they will be supplied with takeaway orders.

    “We acknowledge the strain that single-use plastics put on our environment and are taking steps to do our part in endeavouring a change,” said KFC Singapore GM Lynette Lee in a statement.

    “We recognise that every little bit counts and are proud to be the first fast-food restaurant in Singapore to champion this movement, one straw at a time.”

    Lee says the company will also investigate more biodegradable packaging for its products.

    KFC Singapore’s move comes at the same time as Starbucks in Hong Kong starts to phase out disposable plastic items, although the items will be available on request.

    And McDonald’s has confirmed it is looking at more environmentally friendly disposable items in its stores.

  • KFC Singapore finally Drops Plastic Straws in Restaurants

    KFC Singapore finally Drops Plastic Straws in Restaurants

    KFC Singapore is jettisoning plastic straws and drink-cup lids in its restaurants in a sustainability initiative it says will cut 17.9 tonnes of single-use plastic waste in a year.

    Dine-in guests of its 84 restaurants in Singapore will not be served lids and straws from June 20, but they will be supplied with takeaway orders.

    “We acknowledge the strain that single-use plastics put on our environment and are taking steps to do our part in endeavouring a change,” said KFC Singapore GM Lynette Lee in a statement.

    “We recognise that every little bit counts and are proud to be the first fast-food restaurant in Singapore to champion this movement, one straw at a time.”

    Lee says the company will also investigate more biodegradable packaging for its products.

    KFC Singapore’s move comes at the same time as Starbucks in Hong Kong starts to phase out disposable plastic items, although the items will be available on request.

    And McDonald’s has confirmed it is looking at more environmentally friendly disposable items in its stores.

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  • QSR and PETRONAS tie-up to open 50 new KFC drive-thru outlets

    QSR and PETRONAS tie-up to open 50 new KFC drive-thru outlets

    QSR Brands Holdings’ wholly owned subsidiary QSR Stores has signed a memorandum of understanding with Petronas Dagangan to gradually open 50 KFC Drive-Thru outlets at Petronas gas stations within the next three years.

    QSR Brands MD Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil says the strategic collaboration provides an excellent opportunity for the quick-service restaurant group to expand its business and restaurant services in Malaysia.

    “While continuing to strengthen our core product and service offerings, we place a great emphasis on our expansion strategies to meet the elevated demands of our customers,” says Azahari.

    QSR has more than 1250 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Cambodia.

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  • Restaurant Brands’ profit spikes on further expansion

    Restaurant Brands’ profit spikes on further expansion

    Restaurant Brands has unveiled a 36 per cent increase in its full year profit to NZ$35.5 million on strength in its home market of New Zealand and expansion of its KFC network in Australia.

    Top line sales increased by 49 per cent to NZ$740 million in the 52 weeks to February 26, while combined earnings across the company’s portfolio were up 41.5 per cent to NZ$121.9 million.

    RBD owns a network of KFC stores in Australia and NZ, as well as Pizza Hut and Taco bell stores in Hawaii and Starbucks and Carl’s Jr. stores in NZ.

    KFC Australia, which now operates across 61 stores, booked a 50.9 per cent increase in sales on the acquisition of an additional 18 outlets, while earnings were up 42.1 per cent to NZ$20.2 million.

    Sales in NZ were up 6.3 per cent to NZ$446.8 million, driven by KFC New Zealand, which saw earnings increase by 7.4 per cent to NZ$66 million.

    RBD expects at least a 10 per cent increase in profits next year, revealing that it will look to further expand its KFC business in Australia and New Zealand while also possibly investing in KFC stores in Hawaii and the US.

    The business recently acquired a network of 82 Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores in Hawaii, which contributed $68.3 million in sales for the year, buoying confidence for a possible expansion of the brands into New Zealand.

    “The full effects of two major acquisitions is evident in this year’s financial results with sales almost doubling over the last two years,” RBD said in an ASX release.

    “From a sound, established position in both the Australian and US (Hawaii) markets the company now has significant scope to expand further in both these geographies through acquisition, store refurbishments and organic growth.”

    Operating cash flows were up NZ$19.9 million for the year while net cash outflows spiked to $173.3 million, reflecting the impact of its Hawaii and Australian acquisitions.

    “The company is not anticipating any significant changes in the economic and competitive environment or unusual costs in the new financial year. With a consistent performance from the existing store network and the full year effect of additional stores acquires in Australia in the second half of the 2018 financial year,” RBD said.

  • Yum China Reports A Strong Quarter

    Yum China Reports A Strong Quarter

    A strong fourth quarter has been recorded by Yum China Holdings, which runs KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants on the mainland.

    Its unaudited results for the quarter to the end of December show 5 per cent growth in same-store sales, up 7 per cent at KFC and 1 per cent at Pizza Hut.

    Total system sales grew 9 per cent, including growth of 11 per cent at KFC and 6 per cent at Pizza Hut, and excluding foreign currency conversion (F/X).

    Total revenues were US$2.2 billion, an increase of 13 per cent (9 per cent excluding F/X).

    The group opened 339 restaurants during the quarter.

    Operating profit rose 23 per cent to $71 million, but excluding special items and F/X, there was a 9 per cent decrease in adjusted operating profit because of product upgrades at Pizza Hut during the quarter, partially offset by strong sales at KFC.

    There was an estimated one-time tax charge of $164 million related to tax reform in the US. This resulted in a net loss of $90 million. Excluding this impact, adjusted net income was $74 million, up 12 per cent (18 per cent, excluding F/X).

    For the full year, same-store sales were up 4 per cent – an increase of 5 per cent at KFC and 1 per cent at Pizza Hut.

    Total system sales grew 8 per cent, including growth of 9 per cent at KFC and 7 per cent at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X.

    Total revenues were $7.1 billion, an increase of 6 per cent (8 per cent, excluding F/X).

    During the year, 691 restaurants were opened, taking the total store count to 7983 across more than 1200 cities.

    Restaurant margin improved 1.5 points to 16.8 per cent, primarily driven by same-store sales and helped by retail tax structure reform.

    Operating profit rose 23 per cent to $785 million. Excluding special items, the adjusted operating profit was $782 million, an increase of 20 per cent (23 per cent excluding F/X) driven by strong sales and margin expansion.

    Net income dropped 20 per cent to $403 million. Excluding special items, adjusted net income was $564 million, up 20 per cent (24 per cent excluding F/X).

    Loyalty program membership grew to more than 110 million for KFC and more than 35 million for Pizza Hut at year end.

    Mobile payments accounted for about 53 per cent of company sales during the fourth quarter, while delivery contributed to 14 per cent of company sales for the year.

    It was the first full year of Yum China as an independently listed company. CEO Micky Pant will hand over the reins to Joey Wat, currently president and COO, from March.

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  • QSR Brands to open 30 more KFC outlets nationwide this year

    QSR Brands to open 30 more KFC outlets nationwide this year

    QSR Brands Malaysia Holdings is investing more than RM100 million (US$25.6 million) into opening at least 35 KFC outlets this year.

    MD Datuk Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil says the company will spend between RM3 million and RM4 million for each outlet, and also plans to enhance 200 restaurants.

    “We see the economic fundamentals growing well this year,” he said at the launch of the KFC Golden Egg Crunch product in Kuala Lumpur.

    “We believe there is a lot of potential in KFC and Pizza Hut, and that this will be a good year for us to capitalise on our growth for both chains.”

    QSR Brands restaurant division CEO Merrill Pereyra says that over the past five years the company has invested nearly RM1 billion for both KFC and Pizza Hut, with a focus on the Malaysian market. The company is the franchisee of more than 750 KFC restaurants in Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore, and also runs Pizza Hut in Malaysia (370 restaurants) and Singapore (75).

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  • Outstanding start for Nanchang Capital Outlets

    Outstanding start for Nanchang Capital Outlets

    In its first three days, Nanchang Capital Outlets generated sales of more than RMB21.8 million (US$3.2 million) with customer traffic exceeding 1.8 million.

    It is the second outlet project this year for Beijing Capital Grand, the commercial property arm of Beijing Capital Land, and its sixth outlet project in China. It is also the company’s first foray into central China. Nanchang is one of the 10 youngest cities in China.

    Covering 130,000sqm, Nanchang Capital Outlets combines key elements of Chinese lifestyle and culture. It has more than 300 shops, including international, fast-fashion and sportswear brands, children’s entertainment, theme restaurants, reading corners and 2000 parking spaces.

    Still to come are a trampoline park, Jump360, a 5000sqm Imax cinema and an 8000sqm supermarket.

    The project’s 150-plus fashion and lifestyle boutiques include Adidas, Aigner, Chic Outlets Multi Brands Boutique, New Balance, Nike, Rodrigo, Skechers and Stella Luna. The food line-up includes KFC, Taste of Caimi and Yuemandajiang Classic Sichuan Hot Pot.

    About 12 more Capital Outlets projects are on the drawing boards.

  • Melbourne man finds MAGGOTS in his KFC

    Melbourne man finds MAGGOTS in his KFC

    Another day, another time a takeaway-food giant goes and breaks our fried-chicken-loving hearts.

    Le sigh.

    This time, it’s KFC. While we know downing a large Popcorn chicken combo and a 10-pack of Wicked Wings may not be the best for our health (ugh), what this Melbourne man found in his KFC chicken of choice will FLOOR you.

    As reported by Yahoo, 34-year-old Manny Estanislao was left shocked/horrified when he found maggots in KFC food he’d bought to cater a baby shower.

    Mr Estanislao of Roxburgh Park, north of Melbourne, explains that everyone at the baby shower had been enjoying the KFC chicken when a little boy discovered not one, but THREE maggots in the last piece.

    “Everyone was disgusted because we’d all eaten from the same chicken. We were all worried too,” Mr Estanislao told Channel 7, who he also sent a disturbing video of the creepy-crawlies in his food to.

    Responding to the larvae-filled claims, KFC have stated that they don’t believe that the maggots were in the chicken at the restaurant “pre-purchase”.

    “KFC works closely with leading Australian forensic entomologists to understand flies to ensure our restaurant cooking and food handling practices are robust so we can keep our food safe,” the statement began.

    “We urge customers to take care when leaving food uncovered during the warmer months to prevent these instances from occurring. We would welcome the opportunity to speak directly to the customer. They can contact us via our website.”

    No matter when/where the maggots originated, we’re still scratching our own skins at the thought of it…

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