The new 270-sq m, 100-seater drive-thru restaurant at the MetroCentre shopping mall is the 169th KFC drive-thru to open in the UK and brings the total UK chain to 563 outlets. Tricon now plans to open a further 55 stores nationwide by the end of 2002 and a total of 165 further restaurants by 2005.

Advised by the Leeds office of King Sturge, KFC has agreed to lease the new unit at a rent of £25 per sf from landlord Athenaeum Developments.

Justin Ash, General Manager for KFC UK said: 'The landmark 11,000th store opening symbolises the group's commitment to this market. We have a proven track record of fast development in this territory, having opened 48 outlets last year. Combined with our plans to open a further 55 new stores this year, we aim to maintain our position as one of the country's most dominant restaurant brands and to become an even more serious contender in the retail property market.'