QUARTERLY
Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, Inc.
2026 KFC Foundation Scholarships PLUS: GAC Report | AKFCF Board | Legal Update
Summer 2026
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CONTENTS
AKFCF QUARTERLY Summer 2026
22
11 FEATURES
18
36
GAC Report: AKFCF Comes To The Hill To Push For The American Franchise Act By Amber Peoples In June, members of the AKFCF traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for one of the franchise community’s top legislative priorities: the American Franchise Act.
Know Your Board And Committee Members 22 ByGetCoryToSekine-Pettite Learn more about your Association’s leadership, their diverse backgrounds and personal interests, as well as their inspirations and aspirations regarding the AKFCF.
KFC Foundation: $2 Million. 337 Lives Changed. 34 Because of You. By Liz Gulick This year’s scholarship winners span more than 40 states and 62 franchisees. They are future nurses, doctors, engineers, educators, electricians, pilots, and everything in between.
DEPARTMENTS 4 From the Editor 6 President’s Report 8 NCAC Report 11 In the News 46 Leadership Development Committee 48 Regional Short 49 Executive Director Update 50 Legal Update By Ron Gardner 52 Looking Back
On the Cover: KFC Foundation This Summer, 337 KFC restaurant employees received nearly $2 million in scholarships to help them take their next step toward a college degree, trade school certification, doctorate, and more. Pictured is Hayden Lum, who received $20,000 for his education. 2
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA, the Pepsi Globe, and the Pepsi Pulse Design are trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. KFC and the image of Colonel Sanders are registered trademarks of KFC Corporation. ©2025 KFCC
FROM THE EDITOR
QUARTERLY Official Publication of the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees AKFCF QUARTERLY MISSION STATEMENT
By Michelle Hunt
The AKFCF Quarterly is the voice of today’s franchisee family and supports the mission of the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, Inc.
AKFCF EDITORIAL TEAM
STRENGTHENING OUR SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE
A
s summer draws to a close, this issue of the AKFCF Quarterly highlights what makes our Association so effective: members who are willing to lead, advocate, invest in others, and strengthen our system for the future. One of the strongest examples of that commitment is featured in our Government Affairs Committee report on page 18. Each year, AKFCF members dedicate their time to meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, ensuring the voice of KFC franchisees is heard where it matters most. This year’s advocacy centered on the American Franchise Act, legislation designed to preserve and protect the franchise business model. We appreciate every member who traveled to Washington, D.C. and represented our Association with professionalism and passion. Leadership is another recurring theme throughout this issue. We invite you to get to know the dedicated Board of Directors and committee chairs who volunteer countless hours to guide the Association starting on page 22. Their professional experiences, personal stories, and vision for the future of AKFCF remind us that our strength comes from members who are willing to step forward and serve. We’re also proud to celebrate the incredible impact of the KFC Foundation on page 34. Thanks to the generosity of franchisees and restaurant teams across the country, more than $2 million in scholarships has helped change hundreds of lives. Behind every scholarship recipient is a story of determination and opportunity, and it’s inspiring to see the meaningful difference our KFC family continues to make in communities nationwide. As always, this issue also includes updates from Association leadership, committee reports, legal insights, industry news, regional updates, and an Executive Director report to help keep you informed about the issues shaping our business. Thank you for your continued engagement with the AKFCF and for the many ways you contribute to the success of our Association. Whether you’re advocating for the future of franchising, mentoring the next generation of leaders, supporting charitable initiatives, or simply staying informed, your involvement strengthens our collective voice. We hope you enjoy this issue of the AKFCF Quarterly, and we appreciate your continued support of the Association. Warmest Regards, Editor, AKFCF Quarterly 4
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
AKFCF President Editor AKFCF Administrative Manager Communications Chair Executive Director Past President
Roger Sparks Michelle Hunt Michelle Hunt
Kevin Schlutz Kelly Rodenberg Leslie Sharp
The AKFCF Quarterly (ISSN 1071-9873) is published by the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees for its members and their friends. AKFCF is the independent Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees.
FRANCHISEE EDITORS:
Michelle Hunt 14812 N Avenue, Columbus Junction, IA 52738 Phone: (319) 728-3282 Fax: (319) 728-2940 michelle.hunt@akfcf.com
Zaira Guevara (International Liaison) 7750 NW 46TH Street PTY 1495 Doral, FL 33166 Phone: (305) 384-4242 (U.S.) (011) 506 2208-7828 (Direct) zguevara@caribla.com
Copyright ©2026 AKFCF, Inc. All rights reserved. Articles may be quoted with credit to the source. Information in the AKFCF Quarterly (ISSN 1071-9873) represents the views of the authors and unless noted otherwise does not necessarily reflect the policies or position of AKFCF, Inc. Acceptance of paid advertising does not imply endorsement by the Association, or approval of the advertiser or its product or service by KFC Corporation.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION By Roger Sparks
E Together, our committees and regional leadership teams form the foundation of an organization that is driven by franchisees, for franchisees.”
6
—Roger Sparks
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
very successful organization has one thing in common — engaged people working together toward a shared purpose. For the AKFCF, that purpose is simple but significant: We strive to strengthen the franchise community, advocate for franchisee interests, and help ensure the longterm success of every restaurant owner. While the Board of Directors, comprised of the Executive Committee, the President and First Vice President of each Region, and two Large Operator positions, provides strategic leadership, much of the Association’s most meaningful work happens through its committees. These groups bring together franchisees from across the system who volunteer their time, experience, and expertise to address the issues that matter most to our businesses and our Association. They are where ideas become action, challenges become opportunities, and individual perspectives become collective solutions. The strength of the AKFCF has always been rooted in the willingness of franchisees to step forward and contribute their thoughts, knowledge, and ideas. Committee service is one of the most impactful ways to do exactly that. Each committee serves a distinct purpose, but
they all share a common mission — ensuring that franchisee voices are heard and represented. Together, the committees oversee nearly every aspect of the AKFCF’s work — from preserving our history and planning our future, to supporting operations, leadership, education, advocacy, and member engagement. The Archiving Committee, chaired by David Sparks, preserves the history and institutional knowledge of the Association. The Communications Committee, chaired by Kevin Schlutz, keeps members informed through timely and transparent communication, Kevin also chairs the Beverage Committee, which works with our partners on beverage-related initiatives and opportunities. The Convention Committee, chaired by the AKFCF President, plans our premier annual events, and the Education Committee, led by Bill Ford, develops learning opportunities that help franchisees and their teams succeed in a constantly evolving business environment. The Finance Committee, chaired by Nanette Walker, provides financial oversight to ensure responsible stewardship of Association resources. The Leadership Development Committee and the Nominating Committee are both chaired by
Whether you have operated restaurants for decades or recently joined the KFC system, your voice has value. Your ideas can help improve our industry, strengthen the AKFCF, and support fellow franchisees.” —Roger Sparks
Leslie Sharp, whose leadership helps identify, prepare, and encourage the next generation of Association leaders. Several committees focus directly on strengthening franchisee businesses. The Government Affairs Committee (GAC), chaired by Austin Felker, advocates on legislative and regulatory issues affecting restaurant owners. The Political Action Committee (PAC), chaired by Steve Orton, solicits donations from our franchise community to support members of Congress (on either side of the aisle) who support legislation that is aligned with our collective business interests. The Tech Committee, led by Bryan Robinson, evaluates emerging technologies and digital solutions as well as identifying bottlenecks in our current systems. The Vendor Liaison position held by Eric Felker strengthens relationships with supplier partners, while the Partnership Survey Committee, chaired by Noah Hommerding, gathers valuable feedback to improve collaboration throughout the KFC system. Clinton Lewis chairs the Squad I (Convention) Committee, which focuses on future Conventions and how they may change to address our changing environment and franchisee base. And finally, Bill Byrd leads the Squad II (Membership Participation) Committee, encouraging greater franchisee participation across the Regions and the AKFCF. The Association’s leadership extends beyond its committees through eight regional leadership teams, and two large operator positions that serve as the vital connection between local franchisees and the national organization. These regional leaders and large operators bring forward the unique perspectives, opportunities, and challenges within their areas, ensuring that every region has a voice in the AKFCF’s work while fostering collaboration across the KFC system. For the 2026-2027 term, the regional leadership teams are: • Northwest (NW): President Daniel Jackson; First Vice President Jon Stewart • Southern California (SoCal): President Shawn Shariff; First Vice President Isreal Diaz • Southwest (SW): President Stan Richardson; First Vice President Shane Lovato • Great Midwest (GMW): President Chris King; First Vice President Heather Bowling • Southeast (SE): President Michael Hubbard; First Vice President Howard Killgo • Northeast (NE): President Dan Whitney; First Vice President Johnny Muhammad • Caribla: President Derryck Jack; First Vice President Tina Matalon • Mexico: President Jesus Orozco Fuentes; First Vice President Enrique Elizondo Gorena • Large Operators: Jeremy Dimick and Brian Goldstein
Working alongside the committee chairs, these regional leaders help strengthen communication, encourage member participation, identify emerging issues, and ensure that the Association remains responsive to franchisees across every market. Together, our committees and regional leadership teams form the foundation of an organization that is driven by franchisees, for franchisees. One of the greatest strengths of the committee structure is the diversity of perspectives it brings together. Franchisees operate restaurants in different markets, employ teams of varying sizes, and face local challenges. When those experiences are shared around the committee and boardroom table, they create a more complete understanding of the opportunities and obstacles affecting our system. The result is stronger decision-making and more effective advocacy. Committee participation also creates meaningful opportunities for leadership development. Many of today’s AKFCF leaders began by volunteering on a committee, learning the issues, building relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of how the Association serves its members and the franchisee community. These experiences help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will continue to represent our interests with credibility and confidence. Equally important are the connections that committees foster. The restaurant business can often feel local, but the challenges we face are increasingly shared. Labor, technology, food costs, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer expectations impact all of us. Committee work creates an environment where franchisees can exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and develop solutions that benefit the broader system. Strong associations are not built by a handful of leaders — they are built by engaged members. Every franchisee brings valuable experience and a unique perspective. Whether you have operated restaurants for decades or recently joined the KFC system, your voice has value. Your ideas can help improve our industry, strengthen the AKFCF, and support fellow franchisees. The future of our Association depends not only on strong leadership but also on active participation. When franchisees engage, collaborate, and lead together, our collective voice becomes stronger, our advocacy becomes more effective, and our entire system benefits. I encourage you to learn more about the AKFCF’s initiatives, connect with committee members, talk to your Region’s leadership and consider how you might become involved. The work of the AKFCF committees and Regional leadership is more than governance — it is stewardship. It is franchisees investing in franchisees, ensuring that our Association remains responsive, forward-thinking, and prepared for whatever opportunities and challenges lie ahead. Together, we are stronger. Together, we help shape the future of the AKFCF and our brand. n Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly
7
NCAC REPORT
DISPLAYING GRIT — PASSION, PERSEVERANCE, RESILIENCE! By Jim McKenzie, NCAC Vice Chair
I
hope you have had a great summer. A couple of months ago, we had our NCAC regional elections with four NCAC representatives seeking re-election and winning for another three-year term starting July 1. Inman Hodges (Southeast), Pushpak Patel (Southwest), Jamie Jackson (Northwest), and I (Greater Midwest) all will continue to serve on the NCAC Committee. We also recently welcomed Roger Sparks to the NCAC Committee for a one-year term effective April 1 in his role as the AKFCF President. We have a strong group of franchise leaders who come together with KFCC in the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and driving profitable sales and transactions. It isn’t easy, but we’re all committed because we love KFC and we are KFC. As I write this, we are about to launch
8
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
We have to continue to try new things with some failures along the way. We just must win more than we fail, and our occasional failures have to come and go quickly. our Supergirl partnership featuring our Supergirl Ultimate Meal, three new character-inspired sauces, limited-edition collectibles, a special Kryptonian Kooler beverage, and a unique Krypto collectible bucket — a bucket only available at KFC. In the week leading up to the launch, I’ve seen a lot of hype and excitement about the partnership on digital media. And on top of all of this, we’re continuing our important value story with the continuation of our $10 Daily Bucket and the KFC Value Feast. While this does sound like a lot to add to our already complex restaurant operations, we’re backing up all of this with strong, paid media support across relevant channels including TV, social, and highly watched live sports such as the NBA Finals and FIFA World Cup. Putting your marketing dollars to work with working media focused on KFC. We will see other big KFC partnership and buzz-driving news later this year and you’ll hear about that soon. We can’t stop
giving our core customer what they want — we need them to keep coming back to KFC. To sum it up, we’re doing a lot more with a goal of speaking to our core customers — an audience that we haven’t consistently spoken to in a meaningful way with the exception of $10 Tuesdays — and to a “more” customer with traffic-driving, buzzworthy news getting us noticed, visited, and remembered for the iconic brand that we are. As I’ve said frequently, there is no lack of trying. Sometimes, we’ll try things that may not be “fully baked” or even tested, but we have no choice — we must drive sales overnight. Some efforts have come with added complexity, and we must manage both sales overnight and some complexity in the short term. I know we haven’t cracked the code yet, but we have made inroads against our competitors. We are seeing positive momentum, especially with offering value and variety. We absolutely can’t give up on our own system, franchisees, restaurants, and businesses. A critical next step for us is to work with KFCC to make good on the commitments around ops simplicity. We have to prioritize sales overnight and ops simplicity. We can’t keep adding things without taking some things away. We have to be willing to give up on things that won’t get us where we need to be. We must be profitable and sustainable. As we head into our quarterly NCAC Meeting (and I realize you may receive this after that meeting), I’m looking
forward to the incredible, experienced franchise leaders on the NCAC Committee and our Subcommittees coming together with KFCC leadership to lock arms and deliver a strong balance of year marketing calendar, heading into 2027 with continued momentum, and making the lives of our restaurant teams easier. Sales (profitable ones) overnight and ops simplification must be our North Star. Tough conversations will be had, as they always are, but our focus has to be on moving forward. We have to continue to try new things with some failures along the way. We just must win more than we fail, and our occasional failures have to come and go quickly. Each and every one of us in our part of KFC, whether we’re an owner, operator, corporate leader, vendor or some other member of the KFC Family, must prioritize sales overnight and ops simplification. Then we can get to all of the other great things ahead of us. n
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly
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In the NEWS
KFC UNVEILS BRAND OVERHAUL WITH MODERN OPEN-CONCEPT RESTAURANT DESIGN
K
FC is rolling out a brand overhaul that includes an expanded menu and modernized branding and restaurant designs. “The brand is set to open a new generation of spaces designed for hospitality, not just efficiency, with environments that feel more dynamic and adapt throughout the day to meet different occasions,” the fried chicken chain announced in a recent news release detailing the revamp. “The first expressions of these newly designed spaces include an openconcept design in McKinney, Texas, reinterpreting the brand’s heritage with modern energy, expected to open late summer.” The prototype eatery will be called Open House, KFC President Catherine Tan-Gillespie told Restaurant Business. It’ll be tested near the Plano, Texas, headquarters of Yum! Brands, KFC’s parent company, the publication reported. “We’re taking the idea that we can do all the things with our system, but how do we jolt the system and jump forward a decade?” Tan-Gillespie said. “What would the reinvention of KFC look like if the [founder] Colonel [Sanders] was here today? How do we take all of his legacy, his DNA, to a next-generation concept?” Table service, a drive-thru and takeout will be part of the Open House restaurant, Restaurant Business reported.
“It’s the idea of serving hot chicken in a warm and welcoming environment with a bold new restaurant design,” Tan-Gillespie said. “It’s the reinvention of product, promotion and place.” Along with the “next-gen restaurants,” KFC announced several menu additions. The company is expanding its boneless menu items and adding “a lineup of 20-plus sauces ranging from modern takes on classic recipes to internationally inspired yet familiar flavors.” Examples of new dipping-sauce flavors include Chimichurri Ranch and Hot Honey Habanero. “Kwench by KFC” is another initiative the company has introduced in some countries (it hasn’t arrived in the U.S. yet) that features Boba Refreshers, Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades, and Iced Coffees. In 2024, the company launched its first Saucy! by KFC, a concept restaurant focused on chicken tenders and sauces, in Orlando, Florida. The company has since expanded Saucy! to 10 Florida locations and announced plans earlier this year to bring the concept to Texas. Along with the new restaurants and menu items, Colonel Sanders is getting a new look. “The brand is evolving its most distinctive assets to feel more relevant, more expressive, and more in tune with modern culture, while staying true to itself and grounded in the Colonel and its iconic ‘Finger Lickin’ Good’ ethos,” the company said. The brand’s recognizable bucket is “refreshed with new energy alongside a subtle evolution of the Colonel himself, ensuring the brand’s legacy remains front and center,” KFC said. n Source: New York Post Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 11
In the NEWS
KFC’S DESIGN CHIEF SAYS BRANDS ARE TOO OBSESSED WITH GEN Z
E
very brand wants Gen Z to think it’s cool. KFC’s design chief thinks that’s the wrong goal. “It’s all about Gen Z, Gen Z, Gen Z,” Christophe Poirier, KFC’s global chief concept officer, told Business Insider. As KFC rolls out a sweeping global overhaul spanning new menu items, drinks, restaurant designs, and branding, Poirier said the fried chicken chain isn’t trying to become a Gen Z brand. “Gen Z won’t stay Gen Z forever,” he said, “At some point, the Gen Zs will be like me.” Instead, the goal is to stay relevant across generations. “We need to be in constant evolution to be forever young,” Poirier said. The philosophy comes at a pivotal moment for the brand. KFC has spent the past year trying to regain momentum in the U.S. after years of pressure from
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
rivals, including Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, and Wingstop. Recent visit trends suggest some progress: KFC has posted positive year-over-year visits-per-location growth nearly every month since August 2025, according to Placer.ai, which attributed gains to menu innovation, value offers, and the return of nostalgic favorites like potato wedges. The approach runs counter to a broader trend in retail and restaurants, where companies increasingly build products, marketing campaigns, and loyalty programs around younger consumers. Poirier argues brands can become too focused on chasing a specific demographic. Instead, KFC’s new strategy aims to adapt to changing consumer habits without abandoning the identity that made it successful in the first place. The company is betting heavily on specialty beverages. Its new global drink platform, Kwench by KFC, includes boba refreshers, sparkling lemonades, iced coffees, and shakes designed to attract customers outside traditional meal occasions. “People drink more and more often than they eat,” Poirier said. KFC has also spent years trying to improve how customers perceive the brand. According to Forrest Morgeson, associate professor of marketing at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at the American Customer Satisfaction Index, KFC significantly narrowed its customersatisfaction gap with Chick-fil-A between 2015 and 2024 before slipping in 2025 as competition intensified from newer chicken chains. The strategy appears to align with broader industry trends. Nik Allen, Euromonitor’s global insight manager for consumer foodservice, said younger consumers increasingly seek customization, novelty, and “allowable indulgences” from restaurant brands. Poirier’s goal isn’t necessarily to win over Gen Z. It’s to make sure KFC remains relevant long after Gen Z stops being the industry’s favorite consumer cohort. Poirier pointed to Pixar as a model: movies that work for children while still giving adults something to enjoy. KFC, he said, needs to do the same. “If a 7-year-old kid goes to KFC with the 77-yearold grandparent, the grandparent should still find what he wants,” Poirier said. n Source: Business Insider
KFC LAUNCHES SIMPSONS MENU WITH PINK DOUGHNUT BURGER
I
f you have ever caught yourself Mirror” is scheduled to premiere on drooling over Homer Simpson’s favorite August 26, making the collaboration a snacks while watching television, your timely celebration of one of television’s ultimate culinary dream is officially most enduring franchises. coming true — if you happen to be in Leading the menu is the Rosquiburger, Spain or Portugal, that is. an eye-catching creation inspired KFC has teamed up with “The by Homer Simpson’s famous love of Simpsons” creators for a limited-time pink-frosted doughnuts. Instead of a menu headlined by a bold chicken traditional burger bun, the sandwich is sandwich with Homer’s iconic served between two doughnut halves, pink doughnuts. The limited-time with the top featuring bright pink icing collaboration debuted on July 21 across and colorful rainbow sprinkles that KFC restaurants in Spain and Portugal, instantly evoke the iconic treat from the giving fans the chance to enjoy an series. exclusive lineup that celebrates more than Among the other menu items are the three decades of the beloved animated Chillibites of Madness, crispy bites filled series. with melted cheese and spicy red chili; and the Squishee Shake, The launch coincides with the arrival of new “The Simpsons” a creamy beverage inspired by the famous Squishee sold at episodes on Disney+. Two new episodes are already available Springfield’s Kwik-E-Mart. n on the streaming service, while another episode titled “Yellow Source: Yahoo! Auspex Capital KFC AD 1 3.2026 flat Print Ready copy.pdf 1 3/19/2026 9:02:37 AM
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In the NEWS
BEHIND THE BUCKET: HOW KFC COOKED UP ITS NEW BRAND EXPERIENCE
W
ith 74 years of experience, KFC is arguably the original fried chicken brand, and its creative assets are unmistakable across the 150-plus countries and territories in which it operates (and probably in nations it has yet to tap). From Colonel Sanders with his iconic white suit and black ribbon tie to the fried chicken bucket lined with red and white stripes, one doesn’t need to see the logo to know it’s KFC. So, when the brand asked JKR to help define its next chapter, the agency saw the opportunity from the jump. “Most brands would kill for even one of the most distinctive assets in the world. KFC has six — the Colonel, the bucket, the stripes, the lettermark, Finger Lickin’ Good, the chicken itself. That’s an extraordinary hand to be dealt,” said JKR Global Executive Creative Director Sean Thomas. “But it also creates a real challenge. When everything is everywhere all the time, nothing lands.” But JKR has a storied history of coaxing brand evolutions. Walmart’s spark? JKR did that. Stella-Artois’ high fashionmeets-late night pizza and beer? Yup, that was them. Dunkin’ dropping “Donuts” without losing an ounce of its personality? Also them. Since 1961, global chicken consumption has quadrupled, making the protein the most popular among meat eaters, so KFC’s proverbial chicken coop was getting crowded with competitors. And its elements were recognizable, but there was opportunity to ensure they’d continue resonating for generations to come. “This is what we do; it’s what we’re known for. The work wasn’t just about amplifying what’s iconic,” he said. “It was about giving each asset a clearer role, a more intentional presence, so the whole system hits harder than the sum of its parts.” So, what changed? The Colonel got a neckline. The stripes became type. The bucket became a frame for creativity and
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
culture. Two new colors were introduced: a green (aka herbs) and an orange (aka spices). And astute fans can spot a drumstick hidden inside the “KFC” logo. Every element had to play well on a global stage, so JKR and KFC invited representatives from its 14 business areas to weigh in. “Local markets weren’t handed a direction to approve,” Thomas said. “They were in the room from day one. That’s not the norm in global brand work, and it shows in the result.” Customers approved of the new direction as well, calling the new identity “modern, relevant, and culturally connected” without losing the familiarity and emotional connection they already had with KFC. That’s not to say that JKR and the brand were in lockstep throughout the entire process. “The best work came from that tension,” Thomas said. “At the concept stage, we pushed hard on where KFC could go. Some directions were genuinely interesting, but when something stopped feeling like KFC, it stopped feeling right. I mean, the Colonel is not just an iconic brand symbol; he was a real icon. We knew finding the right balance between heritage and today’s culture was going to be key.” The result from that tension is a unified experience built around the bucket, designed to bring chicken back to the heart, connect with culture, and create a more distinctive, expressive and modern KFC. “Stripes as type” appear as parking spots, and the bucket becomes an actual building. Online and in the app, the elements are animated, always moving like the brand they represent. Even tone of voice got a glow-up, now defined as playfully witty, magnetically candid, and deliciously confident. “What we’ve designed isn’t a new look. It’s a new standard,” Thomas said. “Every element of this system from the app to the restaurant environment to the packaging, is built around the idea that experience is the brand. That’s the shift from QSR [quick-service restaurants] to QXR [quality experience restaurants]. You’re going to see next-level hospitality, crave-worthy content, and culture-defining activations. And it matters because in a crowded category, distinctiveness at the product level only gets you so far. The brands that win long term are the ones that make you feel something at every touchpoint.” And initial reactions indicate that the KFC x JKR work is giving customers all the feels. “My job is not to reinvent KFC. It’s to keep it forever young,” KFC Global Chief Concept Officer Christophe Poirier said. “The response to the new brand visual identity has been overwhelmingly positive, with people noting that we kept what makes us iconic while breathing new energy in the brand. And that’s something I’m immensely proud of.” n Source: Yum!
Know Your Acronyms
In our business, there is a great deal of terminology and jargon. As more processes and systems are added, the acronyms continue to pile up. Thus, AKFCF Quarterly decided it is time for us all to brush up on the many acronyms you will hear in your daily lives and read about in this magazine. Be sure to pass this along to your employees, or post a copy in your offices. 76(5P) 1976(5P) KFC Franchise Agreement AKFCF Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees ARL
Above Restaurant Leader
ASAP American Showman Asset Program AUM
Assistant Unit Manager
BOGO
Buy One Get One
BOH
Back-of-house
BSC
Balanced Scorecard
COB
Chicken on the Bone
COGS
Cost of Goods Sold
DMA
Designated Marketing Area
IAYF International Association of Yum Franchisees (formerly known as the IAKFCF, International Association of KFC Franchisees)
QSR
KFCC Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation
RGM
Restaurant General Manager
RMI
Restaurant Margin Improvement
NAC National Advertising Cooperative (merged with NFAC to become NCAC) NCAC National Council and Advertising Cooperative NFAC National Franchisee Advisory Council (merged with NAC to become NCAC) NMS ational Marketing Subcommittee NPC National Purchasing Cooperative (i.e., KFC NPC)
FA (Or F/A) Franchise Agreement
OEC Operations Excellence Committee
FIT
Food Innovation Team
PAC
Political Action Committee
FSC
Food Safety Consultation
POP
Point of Purchase
GAC
Government Affairs Committee
POS
Point of Sale
Quick Serve Restaurant
REC Restaurant Economics Committee
ROCC Restaurant Operations Compliance Check ROI
Return on Investment
RSC
Restaurant Support Center
RSCS Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions (formerly UFPC) SBRA Supplier Business Relationship Agreement TOL
Territory Operations Leader
TRP
Targeted Rating Point
VOC Voice of the Customer (formerly CBCC) YUM
Yum! Brands
YRI
Yum! Restaurants International
Recipient of the
2023 KFC Star Award
“Preferred Vendor”
KFC Red Décor Package
DESIGN+BUILD CUSTOMER DRIVEN OUR BUSINESS IS CUSTOMER SERVICE, WE JUST HAPPEN TO MANUFACTURE GOODS.
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Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 15
In the NEWS
KFC CANADA OFFERS NEW RESIDENT OF COLONEL’S HOME 1 YEAR OF FREE CHICKEN
After Colonel Harland Sanders’ former Mississauga home captured national attention, KFC Canada and Courage responded with a housewarming offer of one year of free KFC for its future owner.
C
olonel Harland Sanders’ former Mississauga property recently hit the market, quickly generating national attention and reigniting interest in KFC’s Canadian heritage. To join the conversation in a way only KFC can, KFC Canada and the advertising agency Courage activated a reactive campaign offering the future homeowner one year of free KFC starting with a social teaser video and rolling out with additional creative as deal finalizes. Turning a real estate moment into a culturally relevant brand opportunity that extends the story beyond earned media buzz. This idea works because instead of simply reacting to the listing, KFC Canada leaned into its always-on social listening approach and meaningfully participated in the conversation. The offer was designed not as a stunt, but as a brand-relevant extension of KFC’s identity, bringing together hospitality, humor, and cultural timing in a way that felt natural to both fans and media. “There are certain moments in culture that feel tailor-made for a brand to participate in, and the sale of Colonel Sanders’ former home was one of them,” said Joel Holtby, founder and co-CCO, Courage. “The listing had already captured Canadians’ attention. Now it’s KFC’s turn to join the conversation. Having the Colonel show up at an open house and create content to help sell a home instead of fried chicken is exactly the kind of culturally relevant, unexpected brand storytelling that KFC does best.” The campaign demonstrates KFC’s ability to remain versatile in its reactive marketing efforts while staying true to the brand. Focusing on adaptive and reactive approaches to each unique cultural moment while connecting with diverse audiences and extending stories beyond the initial burst of attention. n Source: lbbonline.com
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
KFC AND JOHNNY KNOXVILLE DELIVER A FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD PSA
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hile the new “Jackass: Best and Last” alerts viewers of the team’s potentially perilous actions, the July 4th holiday can get a little chaotic for normal people. Although the fireworks are best left to the professionals, some people push the limits, burn fingers, and step too far into the danger zone. This year, KFC and Johnny Knoxville encourage everyone to use their fingers as they are intended — to pick up some delicious fried chicken. The Fourth of July and fried chicken go hand in hand. Whether it is a backyard barbecue or a day at the beach, those crispy, moist morsels deliver big flavor. KFC has been part of those holiday traditions for decades. The original herbs and spices are just as delicious today as they were when the Colonel introduced them. Whether it is a bucket of COB or tenders, everyone devours that meal. This summer, KFC partnered with Johnny Knoxville to share some helpful hints about the iconic summer holiday. Since this year’s event is bigger, bolder, and more bodacious, some people might need a few helpful holiday tips. According to a KFC spokesperson, “The Fourth of July is all about bringing people together over great food and memorable experiences. Since KFC is synonymous with Finger Lickin’ Good fried chicken, partnering with ‘Jackass: Best and Last,’ directed by Jeff Tremaine and starring Johnny Knoxville, was a fun way to remind fans to celebrate responsibly, protect their fingers, and enjoy the holiday with plenty of fried chicken.” In this special PSA, directed by Jeff Tremaine and starring Knoxville, the message is clear. Hopefully, people appreciate the warning. First and foremost, this video is for entertainment purposes. Just like the “Jackass” movie, there are risks involved with dangerous activities. The safest way to keep those fingers safe is to pick up KFC, not a lit firework. More importantly, this promotion is a fun crossover for KFC and Johnny Knoxville. Luckily, he did not transform into a Colonel. But making KFC and fried chicken craveable for a particular demographic is vital. The concept revitalizes fried chicken for a group that might be overly focused on protein-maxing. Additionally, this video and savings promotion aligns well with the film. Unlike the “Supergirl” menu items, KFC kept it simple. Fried chicken, just like the Fourth of July, is a mainstay, a tradition. Repackaging it in a fun way revitalizes it, but it still has that classic appeal. “Jackass: Best and Last” is now playing in theaters. n Source: FlickDirect
YUM! ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF TRACY SKEANS
O
n Jun. 2, 2026, Yum! Brands announced that Tracy Skeans, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer, plans to retire after more than 25 years with the company. Skeans will remain in her current role through late this year, after which she will move into an advisory position. “Over a remarkable 25-year career at Yum!, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the company’s operational excellence model, culture, talent, and longterm growth strategy,” said Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands. “She spent more than a decade leading and growing the Pizza Hut business, ultimately serving as President of Pizza Hut International before joining the Yum! Brands executive leadership team. Having worked alongside Tracy for several years, I’ve seen firsthand the leadership, wisdom and heart she brings to every conversation and decision. Tracy has led Yum! through some of the most important moments in our history, including our transformation into a more focused, asset-light global franchisor, all while advancing enterprise capabilities, culture, and talent across our global system. Her impact on Yum! will be felt for years to come.” Skeans built an impressive career since joining Yum! Brands in 2000 as a finance analyst, steadily advancing through leadership roles and consistently delivering results at the intersection of talent, culture, finance and strategy. After holding a series of senior finance and people leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Skeans became Chief People Officer for Pizza Hut U.S. and later Global Chief People Officer, where she helped shape the evolution of Yum! Brands’ international business structure into separate global brand divisions for KFC and Pizza Hut. She later served as President of Pizza Hut International, overseeing a business spanning more than 85 countries and thousands of restaurants worldwide. In 2016, Skeans joined the Yum! Brands executive leadership team as Chief Transformation & People Officer, helping lead the company’s transition to a pure-play franchisor while advancing the company’s talent and culture strategy. In the years that followed, she played a central role guiding the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of Habit Burger & Grill, and broader business transformation efforts across Yum! Brands’ global system.
Today, as Chief Operating Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer, Skeans has global responsibility for leading cross-brand collaboration on operational execution and people capability. Skeans’ responsibilities will transition to the company’s next Chief People & Culture Officer and Chief Scale Officer. Yum! Brands is working to fill both roles. Skeans will assist in the transition in her advisory role through early 2028. n Source: Yum!
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 17
GAC Report
AKFCF Comes To The Hill To Push For The American Franchise Act By Amber Peoples
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
When franchisors do not know how future administrations will interpret the rules, they may become hesitant to expand support programs, provide additional training, or increase operational involvement with franchisees.
I
n June, members of the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees (AKFCF) traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for one of the franchise community’s top legislative priorities: the American Franchise Act (AFA). At the center of their message was an issue that has impacted franchise businesses for more than a decade — the ongoing debate over joint-employer liability. For franchisees, the issue is about preserving the independence that serves as the foundation of the franchise business
model. AKFCF members met with members of Congress to explain why they believe franchise owners should continue to be recognized as independent, small-business owners rather than being treated as extensions of a corporate franchisor. The joint-employer debate has been a source of uncertainty for the franchise industry for years. According to representatives from the International Franchise Association (IFA), the issue has been debated for more than a decade, and the federal standard has changed four times since 2015. As differ-
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 19
ent administrations have taken office, interpretations of the joint-employer standard have shifted, creating uncertainty for franchisors and franchisees alike. At its core, the debate centers on who should be responsible for employment decisions at a franchise location. Franchise advocates argue that franchisees are independent employers who hire employees, manage day-to-day operations, determine schedules, and make personnel decisions within their businesses. Under broader joint-employer standards, however, a franchisor could potentially face liability for certain employment decisions made at independently owned franchise locations. Supporters of the American Franchise Act believe that approach blurs the distinction between franchisors and franchisees and threatens the independence that has made franchising a successful path to business ownership for generations of entrepreneurs. During AKFCF’s advocacy meetings, IFA representatives explained that one of the biggest challenges created by the changing joint-employer standards is uncertainty. When franchisors do not know how future administrations will interpret the rules, they may become hesitant to expand support programs, provide additional training, or increase operational involvement with franchisees. In some cases, franchisors choose to maintain the status quo rather than risk creating additional legal exposure if the rules change again in a few years. For franchisees, that uncertainty can have real consequences. Additional training, operational guidance, and field
Franchisees are uniquely positioned to explain how federal labor policies affect businesses on the ground and why long-term certainty matters. support can help restaurants improve performance and adapt to new challenges. Yet many within the franchise community argue that the constant back-and-forth surrounding joint-employer policy has discouraged franchisors from offering the level of support they may otherwise be willing to provide. That concern is one of the primary reasons the IFA began pursuing a legislative solution. Rather than relying on regulators and courts to redefine the standard every few years, supporters of the American Franchise Act are seeking a permanent solution through Congress. The legislation is designed specifically for the franchise business model and would provide greater clarity regarding the relationship between franchisors and franchisees. The effort has gained significant momentum on Capitol Hill. According to IFA officials, the House version of the American Franchise Act currently has 128 co-sponsors, including 16 Democrats. The bill was originally introduced with seven Republican and seven Democratic sponsors — an unusually bipartisan starting point for labor-related legislation. Supporters point to that bipartisan backing as evidence that lawmakers from both parties recognize the importance of
Make your PAC contribution AKFCF’s advocacy and outreach efforts have resulted in the successful passage of beneficial policies and the defeat of harmful regulations. Contributing to the AKFCF Political Action Committee (PAC) is the best way to support the election and re-election committees of pro-business Members of Congress who share the same concerns as franchisees. The money raised in the PAC goes directly to the campaign of Congressional candidates, or incumbent members seeking reelection. To make your 2026 PAC contribution, please reach out to your regional representative or to Amber Peoples at Polaris Consulting (apeoples@polariswdc.com). We appreciate your continued support!
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
franchising to local economies and small-business ownership. The Senate companion bill was introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Angus King (I-ME), with additional support from Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), and others. Building support in both chambers has been a major focus of franchise advocacy efforts throughout the year. Despite that progress, supporters acknowledge that the path forward remains challenging. Organized labor groups continue to oppose the legislation and have actively worked to discourage additional support for the bill. According to IFA representatives, much of the opposition has come from labor organizations that favor broader interpretations of joint-employer liability. That is why grassroots advocacy remains so important. Throughout their meetings on Capitol Hill, AKFCF members shared firsthand experiences about operating restaurants, creating jobs, and serving their communities. Franchisees explained how regulatory uncertainty affects real businesses and emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between independent franchise owners and the brands under which they operate.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library
WE’VE BEEN WORKING FOR YOU SINCE THIS GUY WAS IN CHARGE!
IFA officials stressed that hearing directly from franchisees can be particularly impactful because members of Congress often are more responsive to the experiences of constituents and local business owners than to traditional lobbying efforts alone. Franchisees are uniquely positioned to explain how federal labor policies affect businesses on the ground and why long-term certainty matters. As Congress continues to consider the American Franchise Act, AKFCF remains committed to advocating for policies that protect franchise ownership and strengthen the franchise business model. For franchisees, the issue extends beyond labor law. It is about preserving entrepreneurial opportunity, maintaining local ownership, and ensuring that future generations have the same opportunity to build successful businesses through franchising. The debate over joint-employer liability has lasted for more than 10 years. Supporters of the AFA believe it is time for Congress to provide a permanent solution. Through continued advocacy and engagement with members of Congress, AKFCF is working to ensure that the voice of franchisees remains part of that conversation and that the franchise model continues to thrive for years to come. n
NDA began working with KFC franchisees in 1988 to: Sell–Buy–Value–Finance KFC Restaurants
We’re STILL active in the brand— We’re ready when you are!
NDAINC.NET
Derek Diachenko
502-495-2262 derekd@ndainc.net
Mitch Rue
502-618-4896 mitchr@ndainc.net
John Pinar
502-552-6991 johnp@ndainc.net
Nick Diachenko
502-495-2345 nickd@ndainc.net
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 21
AKFCF BOARD 2026/2027
Get To Know Your Board And Committee Members
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
By Cory Sekine-Pettite
A
ssociations such as ours require strong leadership and a collective sense of purpose to thrive and survive. For more than 50 years, volunteer franchisees from across this country have done just that. Through their guidance — and with your support — the AKFCF has maintained a healthy relationship with KFCC. The AKFCF’s work doesn’t stop there. Part of our greater responsibility is to ensure that our members not only know who represents them, but that through this familiarity, are encouraged to participate fully in Association business, ask questions, voice concerns, and also decide to get involved in regional and national committees that could put you on track for future AKFCF Executive Committee seats. Thus, in this article you will learn more about your Association’s leadership, their diverse backgrounds and personal interests. Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 23
AKFCF BOARD
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Roger Sparks, AKFCF President & Convention Committee Chair
Bill Byrd, AKFCF 2nd Vice President
Spouse/Partner: Trang Sparks
Kids/Pets: Three children, five grandchildren
Kids/Pets: Three daughters: Ashley, Amber, and Aubriann. Two dogs: Loki and Zoey How many years have you been in the KFC business? I started working in my hometown KFC as a freshman in high school, so I have been working at KFC for 47 years. Fun fact or personal note: I decided to try to make a difference within my state and my Region. I began to run the chairs of the SW Region which, at that time, put me on the board of the AKFCF. I have now been on the AKFCF Board for 13 years. I have gone from a BOD member, to Finance Chair to Treasurer, then to running the chairs to become the AKFCF President this year. Along the way, I have made friends with some incredible people from all of the Regions that make up the AKFCF. Yet I am still very much an introvert. Clinton Lewis, AKFCF 1st Vice President Spouse/Partner: Shereka Lewis Kids/Pets: Brian (31), Jayden (27), Sabastian (21), and Madison (17) How many years have you been in the KFC business? 32 years
Roger Sparks
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Clinton Lewis
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Bill Byrd
Spouse/Partner: Kay Byrd How many years have you been in the KFC business? 20+, in restaurants business since 14! Fun fact or personal note: I enjoy cooking and hosting personal gatherings with friends and family. Leslie Sharp, AKFCF Immediate Past President, Leadership Development Chair Spouse/Partner: Paul Cantrell Kids/Pets: Two daughters: Grace (23) and Hope (20) How many years have you been in the KFC business? Been in the business for 28 years. I’ve been a franchisee for 24 years. Kevin Schlutz, AKFCF Secretary and Past President (1997-1998), Beverage and Communications Chair Spouse/Partner: Linda Martin Kids/Pets: Michelle and Eric. You all know Michelle, but my son Eric is in real estate. And we have lots of cats. How many years have you been in the KFC business? 58 since first store. Fun fact or personal note: I was the youngest AKFCF President and the only (so far) father and son who were President.
Leslie Sharp
Kevin Schlutz
Austin Felker
Nanette Walker
Austin Felker, Treasurer, Government Affairs Committee Chair Spouse/Partner: Allyson Kids/Pets: Rhodes (3) & Owen (1) How many years have you been in the KFC business? 10 years Fun fact or personal note: Played basketball against Steph Curry in high school and he only scored 15 points.
Denise Springer, 2nd Vice President Shadow Nanette Walker, AKFCF Finance Committee Chair Spouse/Partner: Chris Kids/Pets: Two sons, Zachary (28) & Peyton (26). We have a Lab named Dixie, and I don’t think you want me to list all of the cats inside and outside! How many years have you been in the KFC business? 54 non-stop years
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 25
AKFCF BOARD
BOARD MEMBERS Derryck Jack, Caribla President
Jeremy Dimick, Large Operator Member
Spouse/Partner: Jivana Claxton
Kids/Pets: Connor, Dawn, Madelyn, Brayden, Cole, (Fur babies, Monica and Phoebe)
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 23 years Tina Matalon, Caribla 1st Vice President Chris King, GM Region President
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 35 Fun fact or personal note: You have to get to know me and you will find out … but I will warn you; I’m very boring!
Spouse/Partner: Jacquelyn King
Brian Goldstein, Large Operator Member
Kids/Pets: 2.5 y/o Bonnie and 7-month-old Lucille
Spouse/Partner: Barbara Goldstein
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 3rd Gen franchisee so my whole life; from an org management standpoint about 10 years.
Kids/Pets: Three kids: Joshua Goldstein (34), Kaitlin Goldstein (31), Cierra Goldstein (21). Four grandchildren: Kinsley (8), Hayden (1), Camdyn (4), and Coast (9 months).
Fun fact or personal note: I love getting to know new people and learning their stories. I’m just an easy-going guy that likes to have fun! Heather Bowling, GM 1st Vice President
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 41 years with Yum! KFC total 28 years. Fun fact or personal note: Married for 34 years.
Spouse/Partner: Jeff Kids/Pets: Peyton (20), Ethan (18)
Jesús Orozco, Mexico Region President
How many years have you been in the KFC business? Born into KFC (2nd Gen Franchisee) but worked in restaurants 30 years.
Enrique Elizondo, Mexico 1st Vice President Spouse/Partner: Susana How many years have you been in the KFC business? 33 years. Fun fact or personal note: I love traveling and trying new foods.
Derryck Jack
Tina Matalon
Chris King
Heather Bowling
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Jeremy Dimick
Brian Goldstein
Enrique Elizondo
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AKFCF BOARD Michael Hubbard, SE Region President Spouse/Partner: Jennifer Kids/Pets: Two daughters: Jamie and Rebecca; One dog: Remi
BOARD MEMBERS Dan Whitney, NE Region President Spouse/Partner: Pat Kids/Pets: 12 grandkids How many years have you been in the KFC business? 35 Fun fact or personal note: I donate platelets. I wish more people would. Johnny Muhammad, NE 1st Vice President Kids/Pets: Three How many years have you been in the KFC business? 29 Fun fact or personal note: Started as a TM in NY and now privileged to own multiple restaurants.
How many years have you been in the KFC business? Born into KFC (2nd Gen Franchisee), but worked in restaurants 32 years. Fun fact or personal note: I fished on a professional king mackerel tour for about 20 years in my “spare” time. I’ve been on several fishing shows. Howard Kilgo, SE 1st Vice President Spouse/Partner: Kelli Kids/Pets: Two kids How many years have you been in the KFC business? 41 years Fun fact or personal note: My daughter and I share the same birthday. Shawn Shariff, SoCal Region President
Daniel Jackson, NW Region President
Israel Diaz, SoCal 1st Vice President
Spouse/Partner: Brandy Jackson Kids/Pets: Blaine(18), Alexandra (15), Juliet (13), Rochelle (11)2 Dogs,1Cat& 6 Chickens
Stan Richardson, SW Region President
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 32 years
Kids/Pets: Five boys: Kelton (25), Brayden (23), Kamden (22), Brody (13), and Kasen (11). Two cats: Lucky & Drake
Jon Stewart, NW 1st Vice President Spouse/Partner: Kayla Stewart Kids/Pets: Two kids (Ethan, Lynnley); three dogs Dan Whitney
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 20+
Spouse/Partner: Terra Richardson
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 10 years Fun fact or personal note: Got to throw out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game, and ball slipped and hit a groundskeeper in the head (it’s on YouTube) and was on national news for the next three days. Shane Lovato, SW 1st Vice President
Johnny Muhammad
Daniel Jackson
Jon Stewart
Michael Hubbard
Shawn Sheriff
Israel Diaz
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Stan Richardson
Shane Lovato
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Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 29
AKFCF BOARD
SUPPORT TEAM Kelly Rodenberg, AKFCF Executive Director Spouse/Partner: Mario Sparto Kids/Pets: Sammi Gold (2) Dogs: Daffodil, Zinie, Roxie, and Fiona.
Ron Gardner, General Counsel of both the AKFCF and the NCAC Spouse/Partner: Becky
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 13 years in August.
Kids/Pets: Zach (married to Lucia), Grandsons Ryan and Owen Devyn (married to Adam), grandson Asher, born July 2!
Fun fact or personal note: Deathly afraid of snakes, have been in animal rescue since 2005. I have fostered over 1,000 dogs (that’s why we have four of our own). I love anything vintage. I am addicted to FB Marketplace.
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 15 Fun fact or personal note: I was a radio DJ before law school.
Michelle Hunt, AKFCF Administrative Manager/ AKFCF Quarterly Editor
Jennifer Thomas, AKFCF Trade Show Manager
Spouse/Partner: Matt Kids/Pets: Davis (Natasha), 27; Gavin, 22; Cooper (dog) How many years have you been in the KFC business? 3rd generation, operating since 1968, actively involved since 1996.
Kids/Pets: Layton (17), Rafe (16), John Hudson aka Huddy (13) How many years have you been in the KFC business? Since birth. After working in corporate roles, I came back into the family business in 2007. Fun fact or personal note: I was a biology/chemistry major.
Fun fact or personal note: Our family raises show cattle.
Kelly Rodenberg
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Michelle Hunt
Ron Gardner
Jennifer Thomas
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Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 31
AKFCF BOARD
NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
David Sparks
Bill Ford
David Sparks, Archiving Committee Chair, KFC NPC Chair
Noah Hammerding
Bryan Robinson
Steve Orton, PAC Chair
Bryan Robinson, Tech Committee Chair Spouse/Partner: Vikki
Bill Ford, Education Committee Chair
Noah Hommerding, Partnership Survey Committee Chair
Spouse/Partner: Teresa
Spouse/Partner: Angela
Kids/Pets: Lyttia, Kristin, Sierra, and Daniella
Kids/Pets: Daughter, Liberty. One puppy, her name is Febe (fee bee). No, I did not pick the name.
How many years have you been in the KFC business? 18 years Fun fact or personal note: Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.
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AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
How many years have you been in the KFC business? I’ve been involved in KFC for about 37 years. Fun fact or personal note: I own four chainsaws of varying sizes, depending on what I’m doing in the woods. I’m beginning to do chainsaw carving as a hobby.
Kids/Pets: Daughter, Brittany (Scott) Thacker; sons, Kyle (Riley) Robinson, Justin Robinson, Avoni Robinson, Enrique Robinson, and Giovanni Robinson How many years have you been in the KFC business? 35 Fun fact or personal note: I used to race sprint karts and for a season I was teammates with Sam Hornish. n
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Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 33
KFC FOUNDATION
$2 Million. 337 Lives Changed. Because of You. T By Liz Gulick, KFC Foundation Communication Manager
his spring, 337 KFC restaurant employees received nearly $2 million in scholarships to help them take their next step toward a college degree, trade school certification, doctorate, and more. That doesn’t happen without you — our participating franchisees — opting to support the KFC Foundation through a $.90 surcharge on every case of fries you buy. And it doesn’t happen without your teams asking one simple question at the register: “Would you like to Round Up for the KFC Foundation?” All of this starts with you and your restaurants. We’re a nonprofit that exists for KFC restaurant employees — and our impact is fueled by their efforts. Most people don’t realize this, but more than two-thirds of our funding comes from Round Up donations. So, when your teams are asking every guest, when they’re leaning 34
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
into our 5-week challenges, when they’re celebrating wins, they are making the KFC Foundation’s impact bigger and better. Round Up donations directly determine how many people we can say “yes” to. The more money raised, the more we can give back in scholarships, hardship assistance, mental health support, and beyond.
THE FUTURES YOU’RE FUELING
This year’s scholarship winners span more than 40 states and 62 franchisees. They are future nurses, doctors, engineers, educators, electricians, pilots, and everything in between — many of whom (62 percent) are the first in their family to pursue higher education. Here is a small sample of the team members who are benefiting from this program.
Miguel Carandia-Reyes
Promise Gonzalez
Taniyah Lucky
Bailey Borkowski
Promise Gonzalez Caldwell, ID | Stewart Restaurant Group
Promise Gonzalez
Promise is a team member at KFC pursuing a medical degree in Kinesiology at The University of Texas, Austin. A previous KFC Foundation scholarship recipient, Promise is on track to become the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s and advanced degree. Motivated to create opportunities her family never had, Promise is passionate about representation and giving back, showing others from similar backgrounds that higher education is possible. Taniyah Lucky Dallas, TX | KFC Corporation
Taniyah Lucky
Taniyah is a shift supervisor at KFC, attending Dallas College this fall to pursue a career in criminal justice after taking a break from studies because she could no longer afford school. This scholarship is opening the door for her to achieve her dreams. “I’ve attended college before and it was the best experience of my life. However, it was very expensive and there were no jobs hiring. I made the decision to move back home, get my job back at KFC, and work. Every day I regret leaving college because I was passing every class, the professors were very helpful, and I had all the resources around me to help me if I needed it — I just didn’t have the money to pay for my tuition the next semester.” Miguel Carandia-Reyes Yakima, WA | Harman Management Miguel is a team member at KFC and a first-generation student pursuing a career as an electrician at Perry Technical Institute. Becoming a father at 19 reshaped Miguel’s perspective, fueling a strong commitment to building a stable, supportive future for his family.
Miguel Carandia-Reyes
Bailey Borkowski Coventry, RI | DE Foods Bailey is a team member at KFC who will attend Brown University’s highly selective program in liberal medical education, where she will pursue a future career in medicine. Inspired by her mother’s journey to the United States and the strength of generations of women in her family, Bailey is driven to build a life rooted in purpose and service.
Bailey Borkowski
These are the people who help your restaurants run, showing up to work and serving your guests, who are now taking a huge step forward — thanks to you and KFC customers across the country who choose to Round Up their order for the KFC Foundation. Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 35
KFC FOUNDATION
Congratulations
to all of our 2026 KFC Foundation Scholarship winners! First Name
Last Name
Award
State
Franchisee
Major
Maritza
Flores Romero
$5,000
WA
Amin Vakil
Nutrition
Destiny
Stephens
$5,000
FL
Andrew Rosen
Health Science Studies
Julianne
Bernardo
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Linette
Munoz
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Riley
Licon
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Biology
Richard
Hernandez
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Electrical Engineering
Steven
Serna
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Film
Alex
Castro
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Kinesiology
James
Villalvazo
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Architecture
Jose
Ponce
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Lauren
Garcia
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Abir Anjum
Parash
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Meat Industry Mechanical Engineering
Marely
Reyes
$10,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Juan
Gonzalez
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Civil Engineering
Jazmin
Maya
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Cadence
Pursell
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Criminal Justice
Archie
Jimenes
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Computer Engineering
Diego
Ramirez
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Pre-medicine/Pre-Pharmacy
Eric
Hernandez
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Aerospace Engineering
Heidy
Vega
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Baran
Cerrahoglu
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Engineering
Robles
Cantor
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
English
Alyna
Cueto
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Nursing
Jennifer
Rodriguez
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Social Work
Jimmy
Munoz
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Computer Science
Shaley
Cruz
$5,000
CA
Arif Khan
Psychology
Juana
Tapia-Lemus
$10,000
CA
Arif Khan
Education
Jimmy
Reese
$5,000
FL
Bob Arnold
Engineering
Kirill
Averin
$5,000
OR
Brett Sibert
Business
Adriana
Acevedo
$5,000
OR
Brett Sibert
Neuroscience
Mirta
Pineda Rosales
$5,000
OR
Brett Sibert
Business
Austin
Harrison
$5,000
WA
Brett Sibert
Computer Science
Ibrahim
Daniel
$5,000
WA
Brett Sibert
Broadcasting
Quinlan
Frei
$5,000
WA
Brett Sibert
Visual Communications
Gerardo
Ortiz Murillo
$5,000
WA
Brett Sibert
Bilingual Education
Dontay
Rodgers
$5,000
IN
Bryan Robinson
Multidisciplinary Studies
Emily
Fink
$5,000
IN
Bryan Robinson
Psychology
36
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
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Lucas
$5,000
FL
C. Michael Fulenwider II
Finance
Krystal
Salmeron
$20,000
WA
Calvin White
Accounting
Jack
Murphy
$10,000
TX
Chad Motsinger
Nursing
Taijuana
Hale
$5,000
PA
Charmain Bower
Business Management
Keith
Marr
$5,000
PA
Charmain Bower
Computer Science
Emily
Wolff
$5,000
ID
Craig A. Langel
Biology
Amanda
Kadisevskis
$5,000
MA
D Naughton & M Dahlene
Biotechnology
James
Kadisevskis
$5,000
MA
D Naughton & M Dahlene
Nursing
Jason
Sanchez
$5,000
RI
D Naughton & M Dahlene
Education
Adam
Ebersole
$5,000
OH
Dana Pennell
Engineering
Julian “Quinn” Zikowitz
$5,000
RI
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Major Not Declared
Aisha
Alexis
$5,000
MA
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Nursing
Cassandra
Eyma
$5,000
MA
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Social Work
Mainul
Islam
$10,000
FL
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Civil Engineering
Ishtiak
Yousuf
$5,000
FL
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Pre-Dentistry
Aisha
Fofana
$5,000
CT
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Nursing
Rihanna
Ayala
$5,000
CT
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Physical Therapy
Ivanys
Ayala
$5,000
CT
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Nursing
Amsatou
Diagne
$5,000
RI
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Criminal Justice
Bailey
Borkowski
$20,000
RI
David E. & Mary Ann Evans
Biology
Allison
Beebe
$5,000
OH
Donald L. Robinson
Physical Therapy
Mckenna
Baker
$10,000
OH
Donald L. Robinson
Education
Anaya
Alamo
$5,000
FL
Equity
Nursing
Chandler
Beaubrun
$5,000
FL
Equity
Information Systems
Taniyah
Lucky
$5,000
TX
Equity
Criminal Justice
Aliayh
Mason
$5,000
IN
Equity
Psychology
Marianna
Rebullosa
$10,000
OR
Fred Jackson
Music
Victoria
Kang
$5,000
MA
Frederick P. Gallant
Biomedical Science
Abbygale
Harlin
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Nursing
Allyson
Harlin
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Nursing
Madeline
Utz
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Speech Therapy
Medora
Pittman
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Psychology
Darian
Franklin
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Land Use and Planning
Micah
Mauriocourt
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Education
Niahana
Lane
$10,000
OH
George Lambos
Nursing
Skyy
Richards
$5,000
OH
George Lambos
Criminal Justice
Lia
Donaher
$5,000
NY
Goonjit Mehta
Nursing
Miguel
Ordaz
$5,000
CA
Howard DeMera
Liberal Arts
Josue
Hernandez
$20,000
CA
Imran Ahmed
Electrical Engineering
Jose
Zavala
$10,000
TN
Jack Sims
Nursing
Melody
Crass
$5,000
TN
Jack Sims
Psychology
Kendall
Simpson
$5,000
TN
Jack Sims
Nursing
Starlena
Lyles
$5,000
MI
James G. Mikula
Pre-medicine/Pre-Pharmacy
Addison
Russo
$5,000
MI
James G. Mikula
Business
Joyce
Wu
$5,000
MI
James G. Mikula
Statistics
Amie
Teague
$10,000
KY
James J. Shoffner
Psychology
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 37
KFC FOUNDATION
Andrew
Stevens
$5,000
KY
James J. Shoffner
Pharmacy
Eduardo
Monroy
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Diesel Mechanics
Eric
Montes
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Accounting
Mya
Garrett
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Yvonne
Leyva
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Psychology
Arianna
Mccaslin
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Nursing
Brielle
Jaquias
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Nursing
Michael
Trevino
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Electrical Engineer
Joaquin
Garcia
$20,000
WA
James Jackson
Nursing
Pedro
Gonzalez Rivera
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Computer Technology
Kyle
Littler
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Electrical
Miguel
Carandia-Reyes
$20,000
WA
James Jackson
Electrician
Zitralidt
Rangel
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Education
Saray
Rangel
$10,000
WA
James Jackson
Zoology
Melina
Leon
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Kinesiology
Kevin
Palma
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Molecular Biology
Yorian
Ixcol Velasquez
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Political Science
Ignacio
Garcia Jr.
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Nursing
Moustafa
Hegab
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Biomedical Engineering
Kalou
Lor
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Bio-Environmental Science
Enrique
Quiroz
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Health Science Studies
Jessie
Guzman
$5,000
CO
James Jackson
Accounting
Alexander
Vela Ortiz
$5,000
CO
James Jackson
Sociology
Karla
Quezada
$5,000
CO
James Jackson
Nursing
Christian
Oda
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Computer Technology
Angel
Roman
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Kinesiology
Ashlee
Chavez
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Medical Technology
Anjolina
Schlacks
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Healthcare Studies
Hayden
Lum
$20,000
WA
James Jackson
Electrical Engineering
Cerreny
Perez
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Health Science Studies
Pablo
Montiel
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Business Administration
Jarely
Sanchez
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Education
Bileili
Sanche
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Nursing
Zack
Humphreys
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Business
Kathryn
Hendricks
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Nursing
Kyle
Wesenberg
$10,000
WA
James Jackson
Pre-medicine/Pre-Pharmacy
Arianna
Chen
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Neuroscience
Jagger
Edmundson
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Chemistry
Mathias
Colon
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Firefighting
Yaritza
Manzo
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Biology
Bonnie-Lee
Reece
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Literary Studies
Reyna
Magana Perez
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Biology
Caitlyn
Lindzy
$5,000
CO
James Jackson
Political Science
Kimberly
Sanchez-Cervantes
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Nursing
Faith
Bolt
$10,000
CO
James Jackson
Biology
Talia
Nicacio
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Computer Science
38
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Seth
Johnson
$5,000
WA
James Jackson
Education
Jane
Aigbe
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Management Information Systems
Kou
Xiong
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
History
Maria
Hernandez Leon
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Bilingual Education
Stephanie
Maldonado
$5,000
CA
James Jackson
Forensic Science
Keziah
Schillinger
$5,000
WY
James Jackson
Business Management
Matthew
Dimas
$5,000
WY
James Jackson
Business Administration
Abigail
Hudak
$5,000
OH
James Jackson
Music Performance
Rachel
Fortman
$5,000
OH
James Jackson
Nursing
Brianna
Slaven
$5,000
OH
James Jackson
Nursing
Braden
Wesenberg
$10,000
UT
James Jackson
Pre-Dentistry
Jayden
Jimerson
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Consumer Science
Sarah
Reginato
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Nursing
Cayden
Whaley
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Aerospace Engineering
Coulter
Talbot
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Business Management
Isabella
Mcune
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Education
Eric
Buckles
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Engineering
Faith
Worthington
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
English
Faith
Joseph
$10,000
UT
James Jackson
History
Samantha
Stuart
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Human Development and Family Studies
Ethan
Cornish
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Nursing
Hunter
Losee
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Pre-medicine/Pre-Pharmacy
Makenzie
Allred
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Psychology
Daniel
Griffin
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Studio Art
Katie
Chisholm
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Nursing
Chloe
Prince
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Radiation Therapy
Elizabeth
Johnson
$10,000
UT
James Jackson
Psychology
Zolet
Miklich
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Athletic Training
Dallin
Starr
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Engineering
Sierra
Newburn
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
General Studies
Whitley
Kidd
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Business
Hailey
Kidd
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Business
Luke
Bowers
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Civil Engineering
Tyler
Holgate
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
History
Brandon
Turner
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Kinesiology
Bryan
Holgate
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Law
Cooper
Christensen
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Philosophy
Daxton
Reid
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Psychology
Manuia
Masuisui
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Communications
Jeffrey
Smith
$5,000
UT
James Jackson
Accounting
Ariana
Delgadillo
$10,000
IN
James Mckenzie
Speech Communications
Lillian
Weddle
$5,000
IN
James Mckenzie
Nursing
Rodrigo
Velasquez
$20,000
CA
Jason Baker
Aviation
Daisey
Wheeler
$5,000
MA
Jennifer Arsenault
Dental Hygiene
Sultan
Adetayo
$5,000
NY
Jonathan Blob
Design
Na’Vaeh
Savage
$5,000
CT
Jonathan Blob
Criminal Justice
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 39
KFC FOUNDATION
Ryan
Laing
$5,000
CT
Jonathan Blob
General Studies
Mir
Fuad
$5,000
NY
Jonathan Blob
Criminal Justice
Khaleda
Ratry
$5,000
NY
Jonathan Blob
Marketing
Zahira
Mahmood
$5,000
NY
Jonathan Blob
Psychology
Aurora
Andrews
$5,000
TX
Kamal Singh
Theater
Janylah
Porchea
$5,000
PA
Keith Cole
Radiation Therapy
Marissa
Putman
$5,000
IL
Kevin Schlutz
Biology
Nicholas
Hoffman
$5,000
IA
Kevin Schlutz
Political Science
Kassidy
Littles
$5,000
GA
L. Inman Hodges
Education
Suzanne
Reid-Searles
$10,000
GA
L. Inman Hodges
Health Care Administration
Savannah
Short
$5,000
VA
Larry N Peak
Education
Kaylee
Henley
$5,000
VA
Larry N Peak
Nursing
Hailey
Chasse
$5,000
MA
Larry Starkey
Physics
Jayrica
Perry
$5,000
MA
Larry Starkey
Engineering
Kashmuir
Mcgee
$5,000
TX
Mark Peterson
Nursing
Mason
Singleton
$5,000
TX
Mark Peterson
Education
Eduardo
Hernandez
$5,000
TX
Mark Peterson
Nursing
Song
Robinson
$10,000
TX
Mark Peterson
Nursing
Mason
Bogan
$5,000
IA
Michael Kulp
Welding
Szarah Katelyn Odilao
$5,000
KS
Michael Kulp
Computer Science
Llerli
Isidro
$5,000
FL
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Alyssa
Black
$5,000
FL
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Gabriel
Millman
$5,000
FL
Michael Kulp
Undeclared
Clark
Thurman
$5,000
GA
Michael Kulp
Engineering
Jeffrey
Aquino-Gomez
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Hilary
Moran
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Psychology
Madison
Scott
$5,000
MD
Michael Kulp
Linguistics
Nathaly
Minchala
$5,000
NJ
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Jessica
Schuckmann
$5,000
NJ
Michael Kulp
Radiation Therapy
Abubakar
Nabay
$5,000
MD
Michael Kulp
Accounting
Jordan
Decker
$5,000
NY
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Noah
Whited
$5,000
OH
Michael Kulp
Electrical Engineering
Vincent
Miech
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Criminal Justice
David
Roman
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Computer Science
Erika
Guardado
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Axel
Sanchez
$5,000
IL
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Jason
Garcia
$5,000
IL
Michael Kulp
English
Ashley
Hoover
$5,000
AR
Michael Kulp
Health Science Studies
Judah
Tate
$5,000
AR
Michael Kulp
Supply Chain Management
Hunter
Derrick
$5,000
MI
Michael Kulp
Psychology
Krystal
Bobruk
$5,000
MI
Michael Kulp
Health Science Studies
Krystal
Swinson
$5,000
NC
Michael Kulp
Business Administration
Gabriella
Earles
$5,000
OH
Michael Kulp
Photography
Madyson
Shreve
$5,000
WV
Michael Kulp
Esthetician
Emma
Judy
$5,000
WV
Michael Kulp
Nursing
Brisa
Barboza
$5,000
TX
Michael Kulp
Education
Colin
Steiger
$5,000
OH
Michael Kulp
Health Science Studies
40
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Joshua
Lambert
$5,000
OH
Michael Kulp
Accounting
Ivey
Bickford
$5,000
ME
Michael Kulp
Health Science Studies
Tarek
Karzoun
$5,000
NY
Michael Kulp
Computer Science
Samantha
White
$5,000
NY
Michael Kulp
Forensic Science
Natevis
Toney
$5,000
VA
Michael Kulp
History
Diclecis
Millner
$5,000
VA
Michael Kulp
Business
Nyasia
Herndon
$5,000
VA
Michael Kulp
Business Administration
Keara
Carter
$5,000
VA
Michael Kulp
Psychology
Nolan
Buda
$5,000
NC
Michael Kulp
Graphic Design
Lily
Hobbs
$5,000
NC
Michael Kulp
Molecular Biology
Za’Kiyah
Hixson
$5,000
NC
Michael Kulp
Sports Management
Valeria
Arredondo
$5,000
NV
Michael Mulcahy
Nursing
Joshua
Hylton
$5,000
NC
Nicholas Potter
Chemical Engineering
Joshua
Jackson
$5,000
GA
Owen Harris
Computer Science
Erin
Brantley
$5,000
GA
Owen Harris
Mechatronics
Aayla
Emanuel
$5,000
GA
Owen Harris
Fine Arts
Dina
Anzalone
$5,000
WI
Pete Wasilevich
Psychology
Emmanuella
Sarpong
$5,000
NJ
Pushpak Patel
Biochemistry
Ashesh
Gyawali
$10,000
VA
Pushpak Patel
Engineering
Jheimy
Diaz
$5,000
VA
Pushpak Patel
Business Administration
Lindsay
Swartz Fitzgerald
$5,000
OH
Pushpak Patel
Allied Health
Brennan
French
$5,000
WI
Pushpak Patel
Environmental Science
Isai
Perez
$5,000
WI
Pushpak Patel
Missions
Amber
Underwood
$20,000
OH
Robert K. Widder
Education
Megan
Mankey
$10,000
MI
Rodney Walker & Randolph Stuck
Dental Hygiene
Karter
Araujo
$5,000
MI
Rodney Walker & Randolph Stuck
Radiation Therapy
Natalie
Pierce
$10,000
MI
Rodney Walker & Randolph Stuck
Interior Design
Macy
Green
$5,000
MI
Rodney Walker & Randolph Stuck
Health Care Administration
Carlos
Gonzalez
$5,000
MI
Rodney Walker & Randolph Stuck
Accounting
Dianna
Brown
$5,000
NC
Sandra Felker
Business Management
Kimoriana
King
$5,000
SC
Sandra Felker
Nursing
Kevin
Tobar
$5,000
NY
Sanjiv Chand
Journalism
Krystal
Jules Boucard
$5,000
NY
Sanjiv Chand
Nursing
Brandon
Mora
$10,000
NJ
Sanjiv Kanwar
Music Education
Luis
Perez
$5,000
CA
Satwinder Singh
Electrician Technician
Jazira
Velazquez-Juarez
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Engineering
Adam
Ibrahim-Laurenson
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Communications
Claire
Mullin
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Forensic Science
Randy
Jabbo
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Computer Engineering
Gustavo
Orozco
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Accounting
Isamari
Ramirez
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Business
Ramiro
Ramirez
$5,000
CA
Shamez Jivraj
Psychology
Emilio
Matos
$5,000
PA
Stamatios H. Varias
Computer Science
Imani
Becarie
$5,000
PA
Stamatios Varias
Criminal Justice
Parker
Atwood
$5,000
PA
Stamatios Varias
Social Work
Kirsten
Yoder
$20,000
PA
Stamatios Varias
Social Work
Andrew
Yang
$5,000
MN
Steven R Saunders
Economics
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 41
KFC FOUNDATION
Ella
Welsch
$5,000
PA
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Education
Taylor
Podob
$20,000
PA
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Physical Therapy
Morgan
Moore
$5,000
OH
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Business Marketing
Brooklyn
Lintz
$5,000
OH
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Engineering
Dominic
Johnson
$5,000
OH
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Physical Therapy
Chelsea
Dowhy
$5,000
PA
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Speech Therapy
Henry
Nguyen
$5,000
OK
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Nursing
Emily
Armstrong
$5,000
PA
Tabbassum Mumtaz
Environmental Science
America
Rodriguez
$5,000
AZ
Tanweer Ahmed
Finance
Mackenna
Davis
$5,000
AZ
Tanweer Ahmed
Pre-medicine/Pre-Pharmacy
Liam
Fox
$5,000
AZ
Tanweer Ahmed
Graphic Design
Levi
Mahn
$5,000
MO
Terra Richardson
Computer Science
Bailey
Sheets
$5,000
AR
Thomas Scott
Interior Design
Amariya
Wilson
$5,000
AR
Thomas Scott
Fashion Merchandising
Noah
Williams
$5,000
VA
Thomas Scott
Anthropology
Ryan
Clark
$5,000
VA
Thomas Scott
Business Administration
Joel
Vanoverloop
$5,000
MI
Tim Fitzpatrick
Nursing
Cayden
Apol
$5,000
MI
Tim Fitzpatrick
Social Work
Chloe
Gee
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Aaliyah
Johnson
$5,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Education
Ivan
Duarte Alvarez
$10,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Sydney
Hall
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Madilynn
Barnes
$5,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Biology
Lillieanna
Martinez
$5,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Health Science Studies
Promise
Gonzalez
$20,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Kinesiology
Tantine
Mpawenimana
$5,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Biomedical Science
Christopher
Young
$5,000
ID
Todd & Justin Stewart
Psychology
Ivan
Garcia
$10,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Biology
Estefani
Munoz
$10,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Neuroscience
Daisy
Carabantes
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Allied Health
Yasmin
Galvan
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Architecture
Valeria
Zapata
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Early Childhood Development
Jeff
Vang
$5,000
MN
Todd & Justin Stewart
Marketing
Hector
Villarreal
$5,000
NM
Todd & Justin Stewart
Accounting
Araceli
Martinez
$5,000
NM
Todd & Justin Stewart
Social Work
Meagan
Melcher
$5,000
WA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Management
Guadalupe
Lopez
$10,000
CO
Todd & Justin Stewart
Biology
Monica
Chavez
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Dental Hygiene
Juliana
Barajas-Luna
$10,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Economics
Christian
Gonzalez
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
HVAC
Esmeralda
Sanchez
$5,000
IA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Dental Hygiene
Kaitlyn
Jacquez
$5,000
NM
Todd & Justin Stewart
Hotel and Restaurant Management
Matthew
Laschenski
$5,000
MN
Todd & Justin Stewart
Sports Management
Anthony
Quezada
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Behavioral Science
Sharis
Garcia-Velazquez
$5,000
MN
Todd & Justin Stewart
Undeclared
Taylor
Barleen
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Biomedical Science
Starla
Whitaker
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Business Administration
42
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
...thanks to you and KFC customers across the country who choose to Round Up their order for the KFC Foundation. Jeremiah
Brunick
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Marketing
Jazmin
Fernandez
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Marketing
Alexa
Sanchez
$5,000
OR
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Alexis
Littau
$5,000
MT
Todd & Justin Stewart
Chemistry
Madeline
Littau
$5,000
MT
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Christopher
Delgado
$5,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Nursing
Julian
Guzman
$10,000
CA
Todd & Justin Stewart
Music Education
Cassidy
Ryan
$5,000
GA
Tyrone Neal
Education
Novalee
Cathey
$5,000
GA
Tyrone Neal
Studio Art
Samantha
Earl
$5,000
TN
Tyrone Neal
Supply Chain Management
Ja’Maya
Lee
$5,000
GA
Tyrone Neal
Business Management
Jaiyda
Kelly
$5,000
GA
Tyrone Neal
Nursing
Journi
Washington
$5,000
GA
Tyrone Neal
Chemistry
Kathryn
White
$5,000
FL
Tyrone Neal
Pharmacy Technician
Shawn
Lemay
$5,000
FL
Tyrone Neal
Undeclared
Madilyn
Lockridge
$10,000
AL
William Byrd
Accounting
Hannah
Chandler
$5,000
AL
William Byrd
Engineering
Yadier
Alfaro
$5,000
CA
Zubair M. Kazi
Graphic Design
Menoli
Sugathadasa
$5,000
CA
Zubair M. Kazi
Health Care Administration
Alondra
Romero
$10,000
CA
Zubair M. Kazi
Criminal Justice
Jhiel Stefany
Ballesteros
$5,000
HI
Zubair M. Kazi
Healthcare Studies
The Word Is Getting Out
One of the coolest parts of this scholarship season? People are really starting to notice. In April alone, scholarship stories generated: • 64 media hits • 212 million+ impressions • $2 million+ in ad value • Coverage across TV, radio, and local news outlets. That’s your impact reaching way beyond your restaurant, showing up in communities across the country — building pride, awareness, and a stronger KFC brand along the way.
64 212M+ $2M+
Media Hits
Impressions In Ad Value
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 43
KFC FOUNDATION
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO CELEBRATE YOUR WINNERS!
If you have a scholarship winner in your restaurant, recognize them with custom POP available to order through the LRM Bucket, including yard signs, window clings, and counter cards. Make it more personal by submitting a custom creative request form and including a photo of your winner! These are the stories that your teams are proud of. They deserve to be seen — by your crew, your customers, and your community. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about scholarships. It’s about what happens because of them. It’s someone staying in school when they might have dropped out. It’s someone becoming the first in their family to earn a college degree. It’s someone building a future they didn’t think was possible. And it all traces back to you and your teams — to the $.90 on every case of fries sold to the pennies guests choose to Round Up to individual donations. Every cent adds up to life-changing impact. Thank you for showing up, leading teams who care, and for making this kind of impact possible. We truly couldn’t do it without you. Together, we are the Secret Recipe for Good. n
Round Up donations directly determine how many people we can say “yes” to. The more money raised, the more we can give back in scholarships, hardship assistance, mental health support, and beyond.
Daisy Carabantes, Yasmin Galvan, and Valeria Zapata Robles Cantor
Amber Underwood 44
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Brennan French
FUND THE NEED
Hayden Lum
Provide emergency assistance when KFC restaurant employees need it most.
! Hayden Lum
Make your gift today.
kfcfoundation.org
Song Robinson
*Franchisee must participate in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Donation Program for employees to be eligible ©2026 Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation, Inc. The Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 45
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SHARING WISDOM By Leslie Sharp, Leadership Development Committee Chair
One of the best parts of having such a longstanding history is the ability to pass along that wisdom and mentor our future leaders. AKFCF’s bench is solid, and our Association was built upon the idea of one franchisee helping the other. To this day, that sentiment remains. Especially during times of uncertainty and turmoil, franchisees step up and lead. And thanks to that commitment of focusing on leadership development, franchisees have the confidence and knowledge to lead us through the turmoil. The AKFCF plays a critical role in developing leaders, and I wanted to turn your attention to an excellent article written by AKFCF Executive Director, Kelly Rodenberg, that describes in detail the AKFCF’s program. Keep in mind that we’re always looking for individuals who have a passion to serve. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Developing leaders within the AKFCF
S
trong leadership does not happen by accident. Within the AKFCF, developing leaders is a deliberate investment in the future of the Association and in the franchisees it serves. The immediate past president takes on the role as Chair for the AKFCF Leadership Development committee. One of the clearest examples of that commitment is the AKFCF’s hands-on approach to mentorship. Emerging leaders are not simply placed into roles and expected to figure things out on their own. Instead, they are paired with experienced mentors — often past presidents — who provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement along the way. During the elected shadow period, that one-on-one relationship gives future leaders the opportunity to learn directly from those who have already served, helping them better understand both the responsibilities and the significance of leadership within the AKFCF. The AKFCF Leadership Development Program was created with one goal in mind: to help incoming leaders succeed. That purpose is rooted in the Association’s history. With a leadership legacy that reaches back to 1975 and the first AKFCF President, Don Hines, the organization understands that strong leaders are essential to sustaining a strong association. To be chosen to represent fellow KFC franchisees across the nation is both a privilege and a responsibility, and the Leadership Development Program helps prepare individuals to carry that responsibility well. 46
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Serving in a national leadership role is a high honor, but it also calls for commitment, humility, and a willingness to learn. The AKFCF mentorship process reflects that balance. Leaders are in good hands with seasoned mentors, but the program is designed to be active, not passive. Participants gain the most when they fully engage, ask questions, complete assignments, and take ownership of their own development. Throughout the year, incoming leaders participate in six reviews with their mentors. These regular touchpoints create a rhythm of accountability and support, guiding participants through recommended learning, leadership modules, and assignments tailored to their growth. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all experience, the program is designed to develop each leader with intention and care. Taken together, these experiences help the AKFCF develop the strongest leaders possible for the future of the Association.
Learning through leadership modules
In addition to mentorship, the Leadership Development Program includes a series of leadership modules presented throughout the year. These sessions, selected by the Leadership Committee Chair, are designed to deepen understanding of the Association and the broader KFC system. Topics have included the AKFCF Convention, the KFC Foundation, the history of the AKFCF, and other subjects critical to effective leadership. Presented by individu-
als with deep expertise, these modules give developing leaders both practical knowledge and valuable context for the work ahead. We get strong and positive feedback from those who participate, and they can be made available as a tool for the Regions.
Building confidence to represent the Association
Public speaking is one of the most common challenges leaders face, and it is also one of the most necessary skills for those serving at the national level. Whether speaking at regional meetings, board meetings, Convention, or other related events, AKFCF leaders must represent the Association in a thoughtful, professional manner. To help them do that well, workshops and coaching opportunities are provided to strengthen communication skills and to build confidence in front of an audience.
Support every step of the way
That support continues beyond formal modules and mentor reviews. Alongside AKFCF Legal Counsel, Ron Gardner, the executive director and the broader executive leadership team, there is an ongoing commitment to answering questions, offering guidance, and helping leaders navigate the responsibilities of national service. The result is a culture of leadership development that is thoughtful, practical, and deeply rooted in service. By investing in people this way, the AKFCF is not only preparing leaders for the roles they hold today but also strengthening the Association for years to come. n
The Hard Way It is comparatively easy to prosper by trickery, the violation of confidence, oppression of the weak … sharp practices, cutting corners — all of those methods that we are so prone to palliate and do as “business shrewdness.” It is difficult to prosper by the keeping of promises, the deliverance of value in goods, in services and in deeds — and in the meeting of so-called “shrewdness” with sound merit and good ethics. The easy way is efficacious and speedy — the hard way arduous and long. But, as the clock ticks, the easy way becomes harder and the hard way becomes easier. And as the calendar records the years, it becomes increasingly evident that the easy way rests haphazardly upon shifting sands, whereas the hard way builds solidly a foundation of confidence that cannot be swept away.
Thus We Builded
®
*Dictionary: Present participle and verbal noun. To fashion or frame according to a systematic plan or by a definite process, to create, to BUILD reputation. Reprinted by permission of Colonel Sanders, November 1964. Copyrighted by Harland Sanders, 1973.
REGIONAL SHORT
NORTHEAST KFC MANAGERS GATHER IN ATLANTIC CITY By Larry Starkey
I
n May, KFC store managers and to their teams every day. The final operational leaders from across the night added to the celebration with Northeast gathered in Atlantic City an Olympic-style team competition for a regional leadership meeting filled with fun, laughter, and friendly focused on operations, leadership spirit. development, and brand growth. The This year’s gathering also carried event gave managers from several special significance. For more than states a chance to connect, share four decades, our Association has ideas, tackle common challenges, and supported annual meetings that celebrate successful strategies from bring together operators, managers, their restaurants. corporate leadership, and vendor A highlight of the meeting was the partners. While many organizations Strong attendance, open dialogue, and the opening presentation by NE Associare facing a decline in vendor parcommitment shown by everyone involved ation President Eric Cromwell, who ticipation and financial support, this were powerful reminders of the value these spoke about the importance of fairyear’s strong turnout was a meanmeetings bring to our restaurants, our ness in the restaurant environment. ingful reminder of how much these His remarks set a positive tone for gatherings continue to matter. As the teams, and the KFCC brand as a whole. the event, underscoring leadership, Association evaluates future funding consistency, and a workplace culture built on respect, accountoptions, the event served as both a celebration of a longstandability, and support for one another. ing tradition and a reflection on its continued importance. The Representing KFCC, Usama Issa and Alberto Ravelo led an enAssociation has decided to put on hold a similar type of meeting gaging workshop centered on “Hot Chicken, Warm Welcome,” refor 2027, in hopes of finding ways to support franchisees through inforcing the importance of hospitality and meaningful customer more affordable means of interaction. connection in every restaurant interaction. Attendees also heard That reality made this year’s event even more meaningful. from Mark Rich, who shared helpful insights to support managStrong attendance, open dialogue, and the commitment shown ers as they continue to learn and make the most of the company’s by everyone involved were powerful reminders of the value these evolving digital platform and technology initiatives. meetings bring to our restaurants, our teams, and the KFCC A particularly special part of the event was the participation brand as a whole. We especially appreciated the vendors that of KFCC COO Thuthuka Nxumalo, who traveled from Dallas to supported us again in difficult times, and we were fortunate to meet with Northeast operators and management teams. His visit have a number of new vendors willing to help us become more brought added energy to the gathering, and he shared a valuable profitable. perspective on both the current state of the business and KFCC’s Our Association welcomes Dan Whitney as president for the direction. next two years. We also extend special recognition to our current Despite a demanding schedule, Nxumalo took time to lead president, Eric, along with Dan, Keith Cole (our secretary), and a roundtable with a select group of managers, explain the Ops Clinton Lewis (our treasurer), for their leadership and service. Score Card and its impact on restaurant performance, participate The first night included a board dinner honoring our former in an open Q&A, and he later met with franchisees in a separate secretary, Tony Cameron, and his family. It was a heartfelt time to roundtable. His willingness to engage directly with operators and share memories and stories of Tony and to reflect on the lasting managers was greatly appreciated and made a lasting impression impact of his unwavering support for all of us. on those in attendance. As our industry continues to evolve, meetings like this remind Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting gave restaurant us of that strong leadership, operational consistency, innovation, leaders across the Northeast valuable time to reconnect, build reand investment in people remain at the heart of long-term suclationships, and strengthen the sense of community that supports cess. Just as importantly, they celebrate the relationships, shared success across the KFC system. The collaboration and enthusiasm purpose, and dedication that continue to move our restaurants throughout the event reflected the dedication these leaders bring and our brand forward. n
48
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE
STRENGTHENING AKFCF
Two new squads focused on member engagement and convention excellence.
By Kelly Rodenberg
A
KFCF President Roger Sparks has launched two new squads to focus on areas of the Association that deliver meaningful value to members and will help strengthen the organization for the future. The first squad is dedicated to membership engagement and communication. Roger has appointed AKFCF 2nd As membership Vice President Bill Byrd to lead declines and brand this effort alongside a commitsupport continues tee focused on strengthening communication and increasing to soften, a more member participation. Bill is connected and unified energized by the opportunity, Association is more recognizing how essential important than ever. member involvement is to the long-term health of the organization. As membership declines and brand support continues to soften, a more connected and unified Association is more important than ever. Building that strength begins with keeping members informed, involved, and aligned. Bill believes board members and state directors should play a more active role in key organizational discussions and help shape the Association’s direction. Over the next year, this initiative will focus on improving participation and strengthening communication across the organization. One of the first recommendations is a monthly, one-hour conference call with all Regional Presidents and, potentially, 1st Vice Presidents.
Proposed format: • • • •
Distribute an agenda at least one day in advance of each call. Review current issues, followed by an open question-and-answer discussion. Invite occasional guest speakers to address specific topics and share relevant insights. Use each call to help Regions organize follow-up meetings with their boards and members, ensuring timely information is shared at every level.
This approach can increase participation and improve awareness among state directors, giving them the information they
need to better support and inform the franchisees they represent. Each of you also brings valuable ideas that can help strengthen communication, increase participation, and unify our Association. Please share your thoughts by replying directly to Bill at billbyrd@pmtd.com. AKFCF is an important Association for all of us, and together we can make it stronger. The second squad is focused on strengthening the future of AKFCF’s crown jewel — the Convention. Roger has tasked AKFCF 1st Vice President Clinton Lewis to lead this important initiative. This squad is developing a series of strategic idea categories, or “buckets,” to guide its Zoom discussions and planning work. Much of the group’s time will be spent brainstorming and organizing ideas within the following priority areas: •
Destinations and Hotels: Establishing selection criteria and planning geographic rotation.
•
State Laws and Fees: Understanding local regulations, compliance requirements, and tax implications.
•
Contract Management: Identifying strategies to secure favorable, long-term agreements.
•
Operational Efficiency: Evaluating whether Convention days can be reduced without sacrificing value or impact.
•
Engagement: Exploring high-quality entertainment and networking opportunities that enhance the attendee experience.
•
Education and Workshops: Designing sessions and curriculum that deliver practical, measurable value to attendees.
Once these categories are clearly defined, the squad will focus on translating its ideas into a permanent template or playbook to present to the AKFCF Board. This will give future leadership a clear, repeatable roadmap for planning successful Conventions. To support the long-term strength and sustainability of the AKFCF Convention, this group will take a fresh look at the event’s business model — examining costs, revenue streams, and the overall attendee experience to help guide smart, strategic decisions for the future. Together, both squads are committed to understanding, navigating, and responding to these new realities in ways that will build a stronger, more connected Association. Many thanks to all of the squad committee members who are providing their knowledge and expertise to these initiatives. n Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 49
LEGAL UPDATE
TIME TO STOP TALKING AND START DOING By Ronald K. Gardner, Esq.
O
ne of the things I love most about being part of the KFC family is that even though I’m not a franchisee, you have adopted me as one of your own. It’s because of the close nature of the relationship I have with you and the fact that most of you know me well — indeed, many of you have even met my family — that I feel I can be brutally honest with you as I write this today. Over the past several years, KFC’s answer to continuing deterioration of franchisee profitability has been to focus on the revenue side of the business through various marketing campaigns, efforts, and initiatives. And to be sure, driving top-line revenue is a critical component to stabilizing the business. However, anyone who has been in business for more than a week understands that profitability is determined by two factors — revenue and costs. I have been around the KFC System now for almost 20 years, and, throughout that entire time, franchisees have been talking about the need for operational simplification or, as it is more frequently referred to, “Ops Simp.” Finding a way to allow your crews to be more efficient, more productive, and more customer-focused is something franchisees have been requesting for years. Indeed, there have been a few developments over the last decade that have helped. The digitalization of opening and closing checklists and the work that has been done around inventory simplification have been laudable. But these initiatives haven’t moved the needle nearly enough, particularly while complexity has been frequently added to the menu in the name of chasing a new generation of customers. In the past two years in particular, the Operations Subcommittee (OSC) of the NCAC has made multiple suggestions on 50
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
ways that the business of running a KFC restaurant could be simplified. Those suggestions have ranged from changes to daily routines to fundamental changes in the way that KFC chicken is prepared, as well as focusing on which products should be in the restaurants, and which should be removed. At the NCAC meeting in June, these issues came to a head, with the franchisees demanding that real attention be paid to significant Ops Simp actions. I am delighted to report that their efforts seem to be bearing fruit. Along with our operational partners at KFCC, real work has begun on finding ways to simplify the back-of-house operations in your restaurants. Indeed, by the time you read this article, I believe there will have already been at least one town hall call to discuss the progress that is being made on these initiatives, and we will be moving toward our first real set of mile-
stones — the NCAC meeting in the second week of September — in implementing some of the early changes that we are working to achieve. In no particular order: • To start, KFCC has committed to earlier OSC engagement to improve collaboration and operational feedback. The OSC will now accompany KFCC’s operational services teams in the early stages of ops shakedowns and briefings. • Work is being done on what is being referred to as the “777 process,” including how this one breading process works with COB, and examining rocker baskets, shake and tap, and seesaw methods, as well as training implications. A milestone has been set for a process recommendation and ops testing calendar to be completed by September.
PROFITABILITY IS EVERYONE’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AND GOAL. WE ARE EXTREMELY PLEASED THAT KFCC HEARD US AND IS TAKING ACTION TO ADDRESS THE COSTS SIDE OF RUNNING YOUR RESTAURANTS WHILE WE ALL CONTINUE TO WORK TO DRIVE TOP-LINE SALES.
•
•
•
•
Your entire NCAC has been urging KFCC to consider the viability of certain meat blocks. Accordingly, a test is in its early stages, and early learnings are being reviewed. KFCC plans to bring early operational learnings, consumer insights, and a recommended path forward to the NCAC meeting in September. A more detailed timeline is also being developed around these issues. Work is being done on sides, including initial testing on equipment and related operational implications of commercialization. There is an expectation that a directional recommendation and consumer considerations in testing protocols will be presented at the NCAC meeting in September, at which point overall timing for the project will be determined. Serious work is being done on the optionality of products. A review has been initiated regarding core menu and set approvals, with the development of an optionality playbook in motion. The purpose of this is to define the core menu, optional items, regional flexibility, and the path to phase out products that add operational complexity without strengthening the brand. The first draft of the playbook and governance model for review is scheduled to be finalized before the NCAC meeting in September. Revision of the success/connect routines is currently occurring. There
is an expectation that new routines will be released prior to September, allowing KFCC to gather feedback and begin discussions on the next phase of routine reduction and/or streamlining. • Perhaps more critical than anything else, guardrail principles are being developed to be incorporated into how ops simp should work going into the future. These guardrails will include the concepts of one product in/one product out, LTO governance, forecasting discipline, and how the OSC works into the shakedown process. Cross-functional sessions are underway and are expected to conclude in mere days with feedback to be updated prior to the NCAC meeting in September. Overall, by working together, KFCC and the OSC have initiated workstreams and are progressing as planned. The current focus is on developing recommendations, validating assumptions, and building project plans necessary to support multiple decision-making at the NCAC meeting in September. Profitability is everyone’s primary responsibility and goal. We are extremely pleased that KFCC heard us and is taking action to address the costs side of running your restaurants while we all continue to work to drive top-line sales. As you can see, there is much more to come after the NCAC meeting in September. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer! n
This column is for the general information of members of the AKFCF and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Please see your own attorney or professional advisor for questions concerning your franchise agreement. Ronald K. Gardner is General Counsel of both the AKFCF and the NCAC.
Ad index 13
Auspex Capital
27
Brother International Corp.
33
Café Valley Bakery
15
Custom Seating, Inc.
31
Decisely
C3
Dr Pepper Snapple Group
9
FranBiz Network
5
Gycor International
45
KFC Foundation
C2
Magnesol
21
NDA, Inc.
17
OwlOps
1
Partstown
3
PepsiCo
25
Pilgrim’s
29
R.F. Technologies
10
Welbilt
C4
Winston Industries
33
Zink Foodservice
Summer 2026 AKFCF Quarterly 51
LOOKING BACK
52
AKFCF Quarterly Summer 2026
Drink in the possibilities Discover how a KDP partnership can help drive success.
™ & © 2025 Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. and its affiliates & subsidiaries
Hotter Chicken. Hotter Profits. Hotter, juicier, crispier chicken held longer. Better performance than alternative equipment, with a faster ROI. Focus on your customers. We’ve got the chicken.
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Donald Schaper dschaper@winstonind.com 502.541.6038