Hortons’ Estate Ltd puts KFC back on the menu in Wolverhampton

Hortons’ Estate Ltd has brought one of the world’s most recognisable brands back to Wolverhampton city centre.

The independent property company has agreed a lease with KFC franchisee, FT Foods on a c.1,200 sq ft retail unit at 65 Queen Street in the city centre.

The new KFC restaurant and takeaway has opened to the public this month (December 2022) following an internal fit out. It has seating for 28 covers and will create as many as 20 full and ten part-time jobs.

The letting marks the fast-food chain’s return to Wolverhampton city centre after it closed its Mander Centre outlet in 2019 following a lease expiry.

FT Foods is part of a wider grouping of companies created by London-based property development and investor, Tahir Group Ltd. Its multi-award winning KFC business includes more than 25 restaurants.

KFC is the second major brand to return to Wolverhampton city centre this year, after coffee giant Starbucks® signed a lease with Hortons’ on a prime retail unit in Dudley Street.

Richard Walker of Hortons’ said that the company was in talks with two other established fast food operators for the remaining units on the Queen Street parade.

He said: “FT Foods is an established, growing franchise operator and we are delighted to see this unit brought back to life with such an established brand.

“The two remaining units on the parade are under offer to other operators, which has the potential to create an exciting food hub in the main pedestrianised area of Wolverhampton city centre, linking the prime shopping area to the train station.

“We are also currently refurbishing the former Sports Direct building on Queen Street, which provides an attractive opportunity for a range of retail or leisure uses, as well as being suitable for healthcare and professional services.”

Hortons’ was represented by Andrew Benson of Wright Silverwood.