KFC Shenzhen hits 800 stores, ramps up intl. services

KFC celebrated the opening of its 800th store in the Shenzhen market today, marking a significant milestone for the fast-food chain in the region since its debut in the city in 1996. 

Guests celebrate the opening of KFC's 800th store in the Shenzhen market during a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. Photos courtesy of KFC Shenzhen.

The new outlet, located in NEO (New Enterprise Office) Tower in Futian District, also serves as the venue for a joint initiative with the Shenzhen Retail Business Association to enhance the city’s international service standards, positioning the brand as a contributor to Shenzhen's efforts to strengthen its appeal as an international consumer destination.

The 800-store count encompasses the brand’s operations across Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hainan. With the upcoming APEC meeting, KFC Shenzhen has accelerated its service upgrades to cater to an anticipated influx of international visitors. 

Guests unveil the "800" commemorative logo at KFC's new store in NEO Tower in Futian District today.

A full rollout of overseas payment systems is already underway, with all stores now supporting international credit cards and mobile payments, as well as improved multilingual service guides, according to the fast-food chain.

For customers, the chain has completed a bilingual transformation of its digital and physical ordering platforms. Both the mobile app ordering interface and in-store paper menus are now available in Chinese and English. 

“I think it’s more convenient for us, especially for foreigners. We can choose very freely and easily. We don’t need a translator,” Qaisar Hayat, a foreign customer at the new store, told Shenzhen Daily.

Qaisar Hayat, a customer at the new KFC store, uses an international payment option at the checkout counter today.

On the payment front, outlets in key commercial hubs, transportation stations, and major areas of Futian, Luohu, and Nanshan districts have been equipped with payment terminals that accept international bank cards. The company plans to extend this payment capability to more than 500 stores across Shenzhen by the end of August. 

All KFC stores in the city have also integrated Alipay and various overseas e-wallets, allowing them to connect seamlessly with Shenzhen’s cross-border payment systerm. Meanwhile, staff members are receiving bilingual and international service training to welcome global visitors.

Foreign customers dine at KFC's newly opened store in NEO Tower in Futian District today.

KFC first entered the Chinese mainland in 1987, opening its first restaurant in Beijing’s Qianmen area. In 1996, it opened its first restaurant in Shenzhen on Zhenhua Road in Futian District.