FAST food chain KFC is splashing out £1.49billion to clip the wings of rivals Popeyes and Wingstop.
Yesterday KFC announced it would spend £583million creating 7,000 jobs at diners and in the supply chain.
Bosses said they aim to take on managers, as well as staff for kitchen-based jobs and newly created “guest experience” roles.
The chain, with more than 1,000 restaurants in the UK and Ireland and 30,000 staff, will also spend £466million on 500 new outlets, including flagship sites and drive-thrus.
The North West is one area of focus.
More than 200 existing restaurants will also be upgraded.
And a further £404million will be used to “strengthen” KFC’s relationships with its suppliers and help its businesses to grow.
Boss Rob Swain said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for 60 years now.
“But we’ve never seen such strong demand.”
The UK fried chicken market is reckoned to be worth £3.1billion.
Wingstop has around 57 franchised sites and plans a further 20.
Popeyes has 65 across the UK and Ireland after opening 33 last year.
