A KFC franchisee turned a former bank in rural New York into 'the most beautiful KFC in the world' see what it looks like inside
![A KFC franchisee turned a former bank in rural New York into 'the most beautiful KFC in the world' — see what it looks like inside](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-92414590%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-143652%2Fa-kfc-franchisee-turned-a-former-bank-in-rural-new-york-into-aposthe-most-beautiful-kfc-in-the-worldapos-ampmdash-see-what-it-looks-like-inside.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
- I visited a one-of-a-kind KFC restaurant in Painted Post, New York.
- The converted bank has floor-to-ceiling windows.
On May 3, KFC opened one of the most impressive restaurants in its 25,000-location portfolio in Painted Post, New York.
![On May 3, KFC opened one of the most impressive restaurants in its 25,000-location portfolio in Painted Post, New York.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415190,width-700,height-525,imgsize-463934/on-may-3-kfc-opened-one-of-the-most-impressive-restaurants-in-its-25000-location-portfolio-in-painted-post-new-york-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
KFC repurposed the Chemung Canal Trust Company bank building into the "Crystal Bucket," named for its large windows.
![KFC repurposed the Chemung Canal Trust Company bank building into the "Crystal Bucket," named for its large windows.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415186,width-700,height-525,imgsize-415484/kfc-repurposed-the-chemung-canal-trust-company-bank-building-into-the-quotcrystal-bucketquot-named-for-its-large-windows-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The name and floor-to-ceiling windows are an homage to next-door neighbor Corning's reputation as "The Crystal City," for glass company Corning Incorporated and the Corning Museum of Glass.
![The name and floor-to-ceiling windows are an homage to next-door neighbor Corning](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415176,width-700,height-525,imgsize-394016/the-name-and-floor-to-ceiling-windows-are-an-homage-to-next-door-neighbor-corningaposs-reputation-as-quotthe-crystal-cityquot-for-glass-company-corning-incorporated-and-the-corning-museum-of-glass-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
"Distinctive and original, just like the iconic bucket, this new KFC features a unique design fitting for a region known for innovation," VP of marketing activation for KBP Brands Tonya Mangels said in a statement.
!["Distinctive and original, just like the iconic bucket, this new KFC features a unique design fitting for a region known for innovation," VP of marketing activation for KBP Brands Tonya Mangels said in a statement.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415167,width-700,height-525,imgsize-694378/quotdistinctive-and-original-just-like-the-iconic-bucket-this-new-kfc-features-a-unique-design-fitting-for-a-region-known-for-innovationquot-vp-of-marketing-activation-for-kbp-brands-tonya-mangels-said-in-a-statement-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Aside from the main atrium, everything about the building had to be repurposed to accommodate a fast food restaurant.
![Aside from the main atrium, everything about the building had to be repurposed to accommodate a fast food restaurant.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415154,width-700,height-525,imgsize-285494/aside-from-the-main-atrium-everything-about-the-building-had-to-be-repurposed-to-accommodate-a-fast-food-restaurant-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
The whole building had to be stripped from its days as a bank to be turned into a restaurant.
![The whole building had to be stripped from its days as a bank to be turned into a restaurant.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415148,width-700,height-525,imgsize-714848/the-whole-building-had-to-be-stripped-from-its-days-as-a-bank-to-be-turned-into-a-restaurant-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
About 70% of KFC's US sales are through drive-thrus, so developer KBP included an updated drive-thru in the new design.
![About 70% of KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415136,width-700,height-525,imgsize-999108/about-70-of-kfcaposs-us-sales-are-through-drive-thrus-so-developer-kbp-included-an-updated-drive-thru-in-the-new-design-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
Though it's not a double drive-thru, it's clearly updated with clean lines and wood accents.
![Though it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415129,width-700,height-525,imgsize-791554/though-itaposs-not-a-double-drive-thru-itaposs-clearly-updated-with-clean-lines-and-wood-accents-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
The drive-thru is more than just functional.
![The drive-thru is more than just functional.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415125,width-700,height-525,imgsize-294764/the-drive-thru-is-more-than-just-functional-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
It also shows off the "American Showman" update that's been rolled out in other KFC locations, both new and retrofitted.
![It also shows off the "American Showman" update that](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415120,width-700,height-525,imgsize-512230/it-also-shows-off-the-quotamerican-showmanquot-update-thataposs-been-rolled-out-in-other-kfc-locations-both-new-and-retrofitted-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
Source: Nelson Worldwide
The design is intended to "celebrate the legacy of Colonel Sanders while also bringing his down-home values and showmanship to life," designers at Nelson said of the American Showman branding.
![The design is intended to "celebrate the legacy of Colonel Sanders while also bringing his down-home values and showmanship to life," designers at Nelson said of the American Showman branding.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415111,width-700,height-525,imgsize-316274/the-design-is-intended-to-quotcelebrate-the-legacy-of-colonel-sanders-while-also-bringing-his-down-home-values-and-showmanship-to-lifequot-designers-at-nelson-said-of-the-american-showman-branding-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
Over two-thirds of KFC's restaurants are now decorated in this style.
![Over two-thirds of KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415106,width-700,height-525,imgsize-419942/over-two-thirds-of-kfcaposs-restaurants-are-now-decorated-in-this-style-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
The contrasting red, white, and black are eye-catching from the street...
![The contrasting red, white, and black are eye-catching from the street...](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415100,width-700,height-525,imgsize-659432/the-contrasting-red-white-and-black-are-eye-catching-from-the-street-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
...though of course not as eye-catching as the massive windows.
![...though of course not as eye-catching as the massive windows.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415098,width-700,height-525,imgsize-481126/-though-of-course-not-as-eye-catching-as-the-massive-windows-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The sign felt very classic KFC though, with a drawing of Colonel Sanders.
![The sign felt very classic KFC though, with a drawing of Colonel Sanders.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415094,width-700,height-525,imgsize-419656/the-sign-felt-very-classic-kfc-though-with-a-drawing-of-colonel-sanders-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
Every sign and piece of the exterior is a way to hammer home the KFC brand, which is all about tasty chicken.
![Every sign and piece of the exterior is a way to hammer home the KFC brand, which is all about tasty chicken.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415089,width-700,height-525,imgsize-549198/every-sign-and-piece-of-the-exterior-is-a-way-to-hammer-home-the-kfc-brand-which-is-all-about-tasty-chicken-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The windows are stunning, and also provide ample real estate for photos of fried chicken to lure customers inside.
![The windows are stunning, and also provide ample real estate for photos of fried chicken to lure customers inside.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415084,width-700,height-525,imgsize-519146/the-windows-are-stunning-and-also-provide-ample-real-estate-for-photos-of-fried-chicken-to-lure-customers-inside-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I especially liked the tiny details outside, like this painted KFC rock.
![I especially liked the tiny details outside, like this painted KFC rock.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415081,width-700,height-525,imgsize-727694/i-especially-liked-the-tiny-details-outside-like-this-painted-kfc-rock-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I finally went inside, curious to see how the bank interior had been transformed.
![I finally went inside, curious to see how the bank interior had been transformed.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415078,width-700,height-525,imgsize-263980/i-finally-went-inside-curious-to-see-how-the-bank-interior-had-been-transformed-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The design was very busy, with signs posted in every possible space.
![The design was very busy, with signs posted in every possible space.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415073,width-700,height-525,imgsize-132092/the-design-was-very-busy-with-signs-posted-in-every-possible-space-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Colonel Sanders was everywhere.
![Colonel Sanders was everywhere.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415065,width-700,height-525,imgsize-226568/colonel-sanders-was-everywhere-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was absolutely no danger of forgetting where I was, or why I was there.
![There was absolutely no danger of forgetting where I was, or why I was there.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415057,width-700,height-525,imgsize-82204/there-was-absolutely-no-danger-of-forgetting-where-i-was-or-why-i-was-there-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I was struck by the sketch-style image of the Crystal Bucket on the wall near the entrance.
![I was struck by the sketch-style image of the Crystal Bucket on the wall near the entrance.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415048,width-700,height-525,imgsize-244092/i-was-struck-by-the-sketch-style-image-of-the-crystal-bucket-on-the-wall-near-the-entrance-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It felt very unique to the restaurant, which I liked.
![It felt very unique to the restaurant, which I liked.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415041,width-700,height-525,imgsize-158750/it-felt-very-unique-to-the-restaurant-which-i-liked-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The design played off of the building's history as a bank.
![The design played off of the building](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415035,width-700,height-525,imgsize-148836/the-design-played-off-of-the-buildingaposs-history-as-a-bank-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
My favorite detail was the repurposed vault door, now used to protect the Colonel's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.
![My favorite detail was the repurposed vault door, now used to protect the Colonel](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415026,width-700,height-525,imgsize-422842/my-favorite-detail-was-the-repurposed-vault-door-now-used-to-protect-the-colonelaposs-secret-blend-of-11-herbs-and-spices-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The floor-to-ceiling windows brought in plenty of light.
![The floor-to-ceiling windows brought in plenty of light.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415018,width-700,height-525,imgsize-529812/the-floor-to-ceiling-windows-brought-in-plenty-of-light-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
They made the whole restaurant feel more elevated, definitely nicer than the average fast food stop.
![They made the whole restaurant feel more elevated, definitely nicer than the average fast food stop.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415013,width-700,height-525,imgsize-336190/they-made-the-whole-restaurant-feel-more-elevated-definitely-nicer-than-the-average-fast-food-stop-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The ceiling and lighting were the most surprising details that I wasn't anticipating from the outside.
![The ceiling and lighting were the most surprising details that I wasn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415010,width-700,height-525,imgsize-442504/the-ceiling-and-lighting-were-the-most-surprising-details-that-i-wasnapost-anticipating-from-the-outside-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The cathedral wood ceiling and hanging lights wouldn't feel out of place at a much more formal restaurant.
![The cathedral wood ceiling and hanging lights wouldn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415004,width-700,height-525,imgsize-458008/the-cathedral-wood-ceiling-and-hanging-lights-wouldnapost-feel-out-of-place-at-a-much-more-formal-restaurant-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Somehow, though, it fits perfectly with the windows and the classic Americana KFC design, and all came together.
![Somehow, though, it fits perfectly with the windows and the classic Americana KFC design, and all came together.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92415000,width-700,height-525,imgsize-234336/somehow-though-it-fits-perfectly-with-the-windows-and-the-classic-americana-kfc-design-and-all-came-together-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Workers told me that the windows require frequent cleanings to keep them looking pristine.
![Workers told me that the windows require frequent cleanings to keep them looking pristine.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414996,width-700,height-525,imgsize-444366/workers-told-me-that-the-windows-require-frequent-cleanings-to-keep-them-looking-pristine-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
They looked basically spotless during my visit.
![They looked basically spotless during my visit.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414993,width-700,height-525,imgsize-311278/they-looked-basically-spotless-during-my-visit-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The restaurant had several other aspects of KFC's updated next-gen designs.
![The restaurant had several other aspects of KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414988,width-700,height-525,imgsize-300422/the-restaurant-had-several-other-aspects-of-kfcaposs-updated-next-gen-designs-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Insider
There was a pickup window right next to the counter for mobile orders placed on KFC's app.
![There was a pickup window right next to the counter for mobile orders placed on KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414985,width-700,height-525,imgsize-261122/there-was-a-pickup-window-right-next-to-the-counter-for-mobile-orders-placed-on-kfcaposs-app-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
When restaurants do have these pickup shelves they can sometimes be hard to find or seem almost hidden, but this KFC had a large, lit-up arrow making it clear.
![When restaurants do have these pickup shelves they can sometimes be hard to find or seem almost hidden, but this KFC had a large, lit-up arrow making it clear.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414984,width-700,height-525,imgsize-216240/when-restaurants-do-have-these-pickup-shelves-they-can-sometimes-be-hard-to-find-or-seem-almost-hidden-but-this-kfc-had-a-large-lit-up-arrow-making-it-clear-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The back area of the former bank, which had lower ceilings than the rest, was converted into the kitchen.
![The back area of the former bank, which had lower ceilings than the rest, was converted into the kitchen.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414980,width-700,height-525,imgsize-247442/the-back-area-of-the-former-bank-which-had-lower-ceilings-than-the-rest-was-converted-into-the-kitchen-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: My Twin Tiers
In addition to digital menu boards, another digital screen displayed information about where the chickens were from and who was preparing them.
![In addition to digital menu boards, another digital screen displayed information about where the chickens were from and who was preparing them.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414973,width-700,height-525,imgsize-117350/in-addition-to-digital-menu-boards-another-digital-screen-displayed-information-about-where-the-chickens-were-from-and-who-was-preparing-them-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The atrium area seats about 40 people in the 2,500-square-foot space.
![The atrium area seats about 40 people in the 2,500-square-foot space.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414971,width-700,height-525,imgsize-281784/the-atrium-area-seats-about-40-people-in-the-2500-square-foot-space-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was a mix of standard height tables, booths, and taller tables with stools.
![There was a mix of standard height tables, booths, and taller tables with stools.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414965,width-700,height-525,imgsize-316518/there-was-a-mix-of-standard-height-tables-booths-and-taller-tables-with-stools-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
KFC's collaboration with Jack Harlow was impossible to miss, thanks to signs everywhere.
![KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414960,width-700,height-525,imgsize-185300/kfcaposs-collaboration-with-jack-harlow-was-impossible-to-miss-thanks-to-signs-everywhere-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
A drawing of Harlow's face was even on my cup, in the same style as the drawing of Colonel Sanders, which I found a bit unsettling.
![A drawing of Harlow](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414954,width-700,height-525,imgsize-142540/a-drawing-of-harlowaposs-face-was-even-on-my-cup-in-the-same-style-as-the-drawing-of-colonel-sanders-which-i-found-a-bit-unsettling-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
We ordered two Big Bucket meals, which each came with sides and drinks.
![We ordered two Big Bucket meals, which each came with sides and drinks.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414935,width-700,height-525,imgsize-385896/we-ordered-two-big-bucket-meals-which-each-came-with-sides-and-drinks-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The chicken tenders are great, but I always love KFC's sides most.
![The chicken tenders are great, but I always love KFC](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414921,width-700,height-525,imgsize-295696/the-chicken-tenders-are-great-but-i-always-love-kfcaposs-sides-most-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was also a Mountain Dew flavor exclusive to KFC, though I stuck with my standard Diet Pepsi.
![There was also a Mountain Dew flavor exclusive to KFC, though I stuck with my standard Diet Pepsi.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414901,width-700,height-525,imgsize-298272/there-was-also-a-mountain-dew-flavor-exclusive-to-kfc-though-i-stuck-with-my-standard-diet-pepsi-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The sweet tea was also tempting.
![The sweet tea was also tempting.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414888,width-700,height-525,imgsize-219428/the-sweet-tea-was-also-tempting-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Overall I was very impressed with the Crystal Bucket, which looked even better in person than I'd expected.
![Overall I was very impressed with the Crystal Bucket, which looked even better in person than I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414879,width-700,height-525,imgsize-703778/overall-i-was-very-impressed-with-the-crystal-bucket-which-looked-even-better-in-person-than-iaposd-expected-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I definitely haven't been to every location, but I understand why it's called the most beautiful KFC in the world.
![I definitely haven](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92414874,width-700,height-525,imgsize-406968/i-definitely-havenapost-been-to-every-location-but-i-understand-why-itaposs-called-the-most-beautiful-kfc-in-the-world-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl Insider
Source: The Leader
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.
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