‘Next-gen’ KFC restaurant closes in Fresno — the third location shut this year
Three years ago, chicken chain KFC introduced its “next generation” restaurant in Fresno.
The concept, aimed at Uber Eats drivers or mobile orderers, promised a drive-thru and a walk-up window, as well as a dining room with ordering kiosks and a smaller footprint and digital-forward design, with space for just 30 people.
At the time it was reported as the first new KFC. built in Fresno over twenty years and as The first of its style on the West Coast.
The restaurant at Herndon and Spruce streets is now closed.
The building’s color, brand and signs were removed. Drive-thru kiosks have been replaced with white plastic.
The only visible reminder of KFC is a small banner hanging from the roof: “Visit our restaurant in Riverpark next to Costco.”
A note on the door of the restaurant reads: “This location is closed… We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and hope to see you soon.”
It directs visitors to KFC locations at West Shaw Boulevard and Brawley and on Blackstone Boulevard in Pinedale.
A message was not immediately sent to JEM Management, which holds the franchise in the area (and owns other KFCs in Fresno).
The KFC location at Herndon and Spruce in Northwest Fresno has closed. The fast food restaurant still has locations open in west Shaw and in River Park near Costco.
Third KFC closure this year
This is the third KFC location to close in Fresno this year.
Two others (one at First Street and Bullard Avenue, the other at Dakota and West streets) It closed in July. Both restaurants were operated by JEM Management and did not respond to multiple requests for comment at the time (as did KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands). It is unclear why the restaurants were closed.
But KFC is struggling. Several dozen KFC franchise locations were closed in the Midwest last year.
According to the restaurant industry, KFC now ranks 4th in sales site QSR Magazine. Raising Cane’s lags behind Popeyes and Chick-fil-A.
According to KFC’s website, There are still 10 restaurant locations in Fresno, Clovis and Madera.
