Three years ago, the chicken chain KFC introduced its “next-gen” restaurant in Fresno.
The concept, meant for Uber Eats drivers or those doing mobile orders, promised a smaller footprint and digital-forward design, with a drive-thru and a walk-up window along with a dinning room with order kiosks and room for just 30 people.
It was reported at the time as the first new KFC built in Fresno in two decades and as the first of its style on the West Coast.
The restaurant, at Herndon and Spruce avenues, is now closed.
The building has been stripped of its color, branding and signage. The drive-thru kiosks have been replaced with white plastic.
The only visible reminder of KFC is a small banner hanging from the roof that reads: “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 the inconvenience and hope to see you soon.”
It points visitors to KFC locations on West Shaw Avenue and Brawley, and on Blackstone Avenue in Pinedale.
A message to JEM Management, which held the franchise on the location (and owns other KFCs in Fresno), was not immediately returned.
The KFC location at Herndon and Spruce in northwest Fresno has closed. The fast food restaurant still has open locations on 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 on First Street and Bullard Avenue and another at Dakota and West avenues) closed in July. Both restaurants were also run by JEM Management, which did not return several requests for comment at the time (nor did KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands). So, its unclear why the restaurants closed.
But KFC has been struggling. Several dozen KFC franchise locations were closed in the Midwest last year.
KFC is now the No. 4 chicken chain by sales, according to the restaurant industry site QSR Magazine. It is outranked by Raising Cane’s, Popeyes and Chick-fil-A.
According to the KFC website, there are still 10 restaurant locations in Fresno, Clovis and Madera.