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QUARTERLY

Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, Inc.

2026 KFC Foundation Scholarships PLUS: GAC Report | AKFCF Board | Legal Update

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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.

AKFCF ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL SUPPORT OFFICE

Send all advertising and editorial submissions for AKFCF Quarterly to:

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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

12

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!

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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

14

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

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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

W

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

18

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!

20

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!

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Derek Diachenko

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Mitch Rue

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John Pinar

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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

22

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

24

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

28

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

30

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

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 ...

Ridje-Galy

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.

winstonforyum.com

Donald Schaper dschaper@winstonind.com 502.541.6038