Marietta’s famous “Big Chicken” KFC is getting a fresh, new look. Construction will begin January 23 to update the famed restaurant and tourist spot, transforming it into one of the greatest KFC restaurants in the world. The iconic Big Chicken landmark sign will remain at its current location.
The 4,731 square-foot restaurant, located at 12 Cobb Pkwy. in Marietta, will be closed for approximately 12 weeks while it receives a complete makeover, including the addition of a screened in patio and outdoor seating area. KFC franchisee and restaurant owner KBP Foods is investing $2 million in the project, which is substantially more than the current cost of a KFC remodel.
The restaurant’s new look will feature KFC’s signature American Showman design aesthetic, with elements that pay tribute to KFC Founder Colonel Harland Sanders and the brand’s heritage, but the design has been elevated and customized especially for the Big Chicken location.
Some key elements featured in the interior of the restaurant will include:
- A chandelier featuring a large bucket sprinkled with smaller buckets and glass pendants
- Artwork unique to the location, including a hand-painted mural of the state of Georgia with the Big Chicken shape in the middle
- A Colonel statue perfect for photos and selfies
- A retail area where guests can purchase souvenirs to commemorate their visit to the Big Chicken
The ordering experience will receive some exciting additions, including a glass wall to provide guests with a glimpse into the kitchen where KFC’s trained cooks hand prepare the Colonel’s famous fried chicken fresh all day, every day.
The updated restaurant will offer a unique beverage experience featuring PepsiCo’s latest offerings in craft soda, frozen and bottled drinks and interactive equipment. The beverage offerings will be the most comprehensive of any KFC in the U.S.
“Marietta’s Big Chicken is a local landmark that we are proud to preserve,” says KFC franchisee, Mike Kulp, president and CEO of KBP Foods. “Once completed, our new restaurant will be among the greatest KFCs in the world with design and guest experience features you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the U.S. We can’t wait to bring these designs to life for the community of Marietta and all those who stop along their travels to see this historic landmark.”
The Big Chicken renovation project is part of KFC’s bold goal to remodel approximately 70 percent of its U.S. restaurants over three years.
“Nearly every detail of the Big Chicken design has been elevated and customized to create a one-of-a-kind KFC experience,” says Brian Cahoe, chief development officer for KFC U.S. “When construction is completed this spring, it is sure to wow the community and visitors from far and wide.”
