​David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands, has announced his intention to retire in the first quarter of 2026, concluding a distinguished 36-year career with the company. Gibbs joined Yum! Brands in 1989 and ascended to CEO in January 2020. Under his leadership, the company expanded its digital capabilities and global presence, notably opening 4,535 new stores in over 100 countries in 2024. Gibbs also spearheaded technological advancements, including a partnership with Nvidia for AI-driven restaurant services. The board has initiated a search for his successor, with Gibbs continuing to lead during the transition.

Through a partnership with technology company Nvidia, fast-food giant Yum! Brands will begin rolling out AI at hundreds of locations starting in April and continuing through June. That includes using the company’s voice-ordering tech, which will handle complex menu orders and navigate customer speech patterns. The rollout will incorporate more advanced AI capable of language models, emotional comprehension and personalized customer reactions. Nvidia’s AI technology has already been used at select Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants during “a successful pilot” stage, Yum! Brands said. The technology is expected to “optimize drive-thru efficiency and back-of-house labor management through real-time analytics and alerts.”

At Live Más Live 2025 on March 4th, Taco Bell announced a collection of new menu items, slated to release in restaurants this year. New items include a Flamin’ Hot Burrito, made with a new Flamin’ Hot rice, and a Quesocrisp Taco, an all-new taco shell made entirely out of crispy cheese. Taco Bell is also bringing back some fan favorites, like Crispy Chicken Nuggets and the Decades Menu, which will feature items from the 2000s and 2010s.

Earlier this year, Taco Bell announced a new take on its value meal, with the choice of $5, $7 and $9 Luxe Cravings Boxes. Expected to remain on the menu through June, the varying-priced value meals feature an array of Taco Bell classics.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is moving from its home state of Kentucky in a shake-up announced Tuesday by parent company, Yum Brands.

KFC — launched by Colonel Harland Sanders — will be based in Plano, Texas, and about 100 KFC corporate employees will be relocated in the next six months, said Yum Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

Yum said the move is part of its broader plans to designate two brand headquarters in the U.S. — in Plano and Irvine, California. KFC and Pizza Hut will be headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain based in Irvine, the company said. Yum added that 90 U.S.-based employees who have worked remotely will be asked to eventually relocate to the campus where their work occurs.

Taco Bell and Milk Bar, a New York-based dessert company, have united to launch the new Milk Bar Birthday Cake Churros, the ultimate little treat packed with big birthday energy. Combining Milk Bar’s iconic birthday cake flavor with a Taco Bell twist, the Milk Bar Birthday Cake Churros capture that special birthday magic in every bite, giving fans a reason to celebrate no matter what the occasion. Fans nationwide can taste the latest elevated dessert from the two innovative brands for only $2.99* for two churros or $1.99* for one while supplies last.

*At participating locations for a limited time only, while supplies last. Contact restaurant for prices, hours and participation, which vary. Taxes extra. Prices higher with delivery.

Capitalizing on Call of Duty’s proximity chat—a voice feature that lets players talk, joke, or trick their opponents —the campaign invites gamers to barter for mercy by offering up KFC vouchers in exchange for being spared. When seconds count, a bucket of finger-lickin’ chicken could be the difference between a crushing defeat and a triumphant comeback.

The campaign’s launch kicked off with a TikTok film, urging fans to repost and receive KFC vouchers. The vouchers, in turn, become an in-game bargaining chip. Players will be testing their luck: some bribes are accepted, some aren’t—but the chicken is always taken.

To further spark engagement, KFC is delivering limited-edition “Bribe Buckets” to influencers and gamers, complete with sleek briefcases to match the campaign’s undercover vibe. Streamers, too, are joining in, sharing moments where the offer of a KFC voucher sways an enemy from pulling the trigger.

Meghan Farren, who has spent 10 years at KFC U.K. and Ireland, will take over the position from Scott Mezvinsky, who was promoted to KFC U.S. CEO. Farren will oversee a business that is well positioned for further sales and growth in the U.S. and is one of parent company Yum’s biggest growth drivers. Taco Bell posted a 4% increase in same-store sales in the U.S. in Q3 while many other U.S. chains faltered.

Yum! Brands, Inc. announced the promotion of a new CEO for the KFC Division. Scott Mezvinsky, 49, was promoted to CEO of the KFC Division. He will report to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs effective March 1, 2025. Mezvinsky has worked for Yum! Brands, Inc. for 20 years and currently serves as president of Taco Bell North America and International. He will succeed Sabir Sami, who is stepping down as KFC CEO at the end of February. Mezvinsky has served as Taco Bell’s Global Chief Strategy and Financial Officer.

KFC has unveiled “Saucy,” a new restaurant concept that opened its first location in Orlando, Florida, on December 23, 2024. This innovative establishment centers on crispy chicken tenders paired with an extensive selection of 11 signature sauces, offering a diverse and customizable dining experience.

The 11 sauce options are:

– Chimichurri Ranch
– Peri Peri Ranch
– Jalapeño Pesto Ranch
– Smokey Bacon Ranch
– Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy
– Sweet ‘N Saucy BBQ
– Saucy’s Sauce
– Spicy Mango Chutney
– Saucy Ranch
– Creole Honey Mustard
– Sweet Teriyaki

These flavors range from traditional favorites like Sweet ‘N Saucy BBQ to more adventurous options such as Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy and Spicy Mango Chutney.

In addition to the chicken tenders and sauces, the menu features:

– Toasted Hawaiian rolls
– Crinkle-cut fries
– Coleslaw
– Chicken sandwiches
– Desserts like chocolate mousse cake and key lime cake

The restaurant’s design departs from KFC’s traditional red and white, embracing vibrant pinks, purples, and oranges to create a modern and inviting atmosphere.

Saucy also offers a variety of beverages, including:

– Passion Fruit + Orange + Guava Refresher
– Hot Honey Watermelon Refresher
– Peach-Mango Lemonade
– Peach-Mango Lemonade Freeze
– Blue Raspberry Freeze
– Tropical Black Tea
– Classic Iced Tea

The Orlando location features modern amenities such as ordering kiosks, a spacious dining area, and a drive-thru.

KFC plans to expand the Saucy concept to additional locations across the country, though specific details and timelines have yet to be announced.