KFC drops Pepsi for Coke at 3,718 U.S. restaurants after 40 years

KFC will replace PepsiCo with Coca-Cola at its 3,718 U.S. restaurants, ending a beverage partnership that began when Pepsi bought the chicken chain in 1986. The switch marks KFC’s first U.S. drink-supplier change in decades and comes as the Yum Brands chain tries to regain customers lost to rivals including Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie told franchisees and employees the move would help the brand refresh its menu and appeal to changing consumer tastes. KFC expects Coke products to be in all U.S. restaurants by the end of the first quarter of 2027. PepsiCo will remain a partner for Taco Bell and KFC’s international markets.