The new outpost will open near KFC's headquarters in Louisville, Ky. and will offer flatbreads, rice bowls, salads and only boneless, Original recipe chicken, according to Candice Choi at The Associated Press.
"Fast-casual" chains are the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry, and more traditional fast-food businesses are struggling to retain customers and draw new ones. Women in particular are a group KFC hopes to draw in with the new concept.
The AP reported that the decision to serve only boneless wings was made in an effort to cater to customers in their 20s and 30s who are accustomed to eating chicken nuggets. The restaurant was also concerned about the logistics of constructing a new restaurant capable of cooking chicken on-the-bone and boneless.
The name "KFC eleven" is a reference to the the 11 herbs and spices used in the Original Recipe. Plans for two more of the restaurants are in the works, according to the AP.
KFC joins McDonald's and Wendy's in the quest to attract millennials to restaurants.
Wendy's just released a Shake Shack-esque pretzel burger, while McDonald's is banking on the McWrap to bring in young consumers.