Saucy by KFC Plans Three Grand Openings in Florida

KFC is opening three new Saucy concept locations in the Orlando area between early December and mid-January, roughly a year after launching its first unit.

The expansion includes restaurants in Waterford Lakes (opened December 6), Winter Park (opening January 10), and Hunters Creek (opening January 17). Each location will celebrate with grand opening events featuring live DJs, games, and prizes.

Saucy isn't just another KFC spinoff. It's a fully equity-funded concept backed by parent company Yum Brands, designed to connect with younger customers and test new menu ideas. The strategy appears to be working - one-third of Saucy customers are under 30.

"We're connecting with a younger demographic as one-third of Saucy consumers are under age 30," former Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs said. "We have a lot of learning ahead of us, and we are eager to leverage the invaluable consumer insights relevant for our larger KFC U.S. system."

The new locations will roll out menu items you wouldn't typically see at KFC. Think Brussels Bites, a Chicken Caesar Salad, and a Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. There's even a Late Night Kitchen Sink Grand'ito - a hand-held wrap packed with queso, crinkle cut fries, egg, and chopped chicken tenders, available after 9 p.m.

Everything's built around customization. Guests can choose from Tendies, Sammies, rice bowls, salads, wraps, or larger Grand'itos, then pair them with any of 11 signature sauces. KFC claims there are at least 4,000 different ways to customize your order.

"At Saucy, we're not just opening restaurants, we're building a movement around flavor," said KFC's chief new concept officer Christophe Poirier. "People don't just want another chicken tender, they want to play with flavor. We've built Saucy around the idea of giving guests a platform to experiment, explore and make it theirs. From sauces to bases to sides, every visit hits different."

The restaurants feature what the brand calls a "modern, kinetic look and tech-forward vibe," complete with drive-thru lanes, self-serve kiosks, and Instagram-worthy spaces designed for hanging out.

This approach mirrors successful testing strategies from other chains. McDonald's used its now-defunct CosMc's concept to develop premium beverages, while Taco Bell's Cantina locations helped launch menu items like Cantina Chicken.

Yum Brands CEO Chris Turner said the company plans to have roughly 10 Saucy units in Florida soon, with more openings planned for early 2026. The brand recently acquired 13 former PDQ restaurant leases across Florida for future development.

by Alex Bailey | December 31, 2025 | SHARE