McKinney is in the spotlight this week as KFC chose the city as the home for its brand-new “Open House” restaurant concept — a special location designed to test fresh ideas as the beloved fried chicken chain works to reclaim its crown in the competitive fast-food world.

The new McKinney location, which debuted on Thursday, September 24, is being used by KFC as a living laboratory of sorts, giving the company a real-world setting to try out new approaches to its menu, service, and overall dining experience. McKinney was selected as the site for this forward-thinking concept, putting the city on the national map as a testing ground for one of America’s most iconic restaurant brands.

The opening marks an exciting moment for the local community, bringing new jobs and fresh dining options to the area. For McKinney residents, it means a chance to be among the first in the country to experience whatever KFC has up its sleeve as it works to reinvigorate its brand and reconnect with fried chicken fans everywhere.

The “Open House” concept signals that KFC sees McKinney as an ideal community in which to engage directly with customers, gather feedback, and refine its offerings before potentially rolling out changes on a broader scale. That kind of investment in a local market speaks well of McKinney’s vibrant and growing population, which continues to attract major brands looking for engaged, diverse communities.

Whether you’re a lifelong KFC fan or simply curious to see what the chain has cooking, the new McKinney Open House location offers a unique opportunity to be part of a national brand’s comeback story — right here at home.

Sources: PR Newswire, Boston Herald