KFC Jamaica, the island’s most loved quick-service restaurant brand, celebrates 50 years of unforgettable flavour, service, and cultural impact this month.

The franchise, operated domestically by Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), is marking its golden jubilee under the theme ‘50 Years of Finger Lickin’ Good Memories‘, paying tribute to five decades of shared moments with a loyal Jamaican nation.

Since opening its first KFC location on Old Hope Road in Kingston on June 18, 1975, KFC has expanded to 41 restaurants islandwide, delivering its world-famous fried chicken and other signature meals characterised by their brand-defining eleven herbs and spices, catering to generations of loyal KFC customers.

KFC Jamaica’s journey from operating one restaurant to now being a far-reaching national staple reflects not only vision and growth, but thousands of dedicated employees and a deep connection with the people of Jamaica.

To mark this historic milestone, KFC Jamaica is rolling out a robust calendar of celebratory events and marketing activations.

These include a new Big Deal marketing campaign celebrating the brand’s customers and legacy, along with nationwide customer giveaways, in-store promotion, and media features honouring the franchise’s Jamaican roots.

Recognising the dedication and service of its team members, ROJ will be recognising members of the KFC Jamaica team who have given several years of service to the organisation, through a variety of awards and acknowledgments, highlighted by a Long Service Awards Ceremony on June 23, where those who have been with the brand for at least 20 years will be specially acknowledged.

ROJ’s recognition event will shine a spotlight on those whose loyalty and passion have helped KFC grow into a Jamaican household name, a steadfast weekend staple, and the unofficial “Jamaican national dish”.

As a special birthday incentive for its loyal customers, anyone who purchases a KFC Big Deal combo next Wednesday will receive a complimentary Meal Deal (two-piece chicken combo) at KFC locations islandwide, while supplies last.

In addition, a customer appreciation birthday event will be hosted on June 18 at the KFC’s Old Hope Road location, featuring music, giveaways, live outside broadcasts and lots of surprises throughout the day.

On the outreach front, as part of its longstanding commitment to nation-building, KFC Jamaica will be making a significant social investment to the less fortunate.

The brand will donate J$7 million to 14 children’s homes across all 14 parishes, with each home receiving a J$500,000 donation to support food security and improved nutrition for some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

In addition, KFC will award a J$100,000 education grant to 50 top-performing children of 50 KFC employees, further strengthening the company’s legacy of supporting child development through education, as well as care and support for the internal team that continues to power the brand’s success.

Also coinciding with KFC’s 50th birthday celebrations is the expansion of the brand’s HARVEST Feeding programme, in which each KFC restaurant across Jamaica donates surplus food at the end of each day to a nearby accredited charity organisation. HARVEST is a global KFC initiative which has been adopted by the franchise here in Jamaica and which, for the last several years, has made a huge impact on the lives of the less fortunate in communities in and around KFC restaurants.

In keeping with the company’s growth mindset throughout its five-decade journey, KFC continues to add more restaurants to its islandwide network.

Their new location in Black River is scheduled to open within the next week, while their much-anticipated location in Morant Bay will open in a few months.

“We are honoured and humbled to have served Jamaica for 50 years,” said Mark Myers, managing director of ROJ. “This birthday milestone is a celebration of our team, our customers, and our community. We look forward to blazing even greater trails over the next 50 years, with the same commitment to quality, innovation, and nation-building.”

Tina Matalon, marketing director at ROJ, added: “KFC has become so much more than a restaurant. It is a part of our national identity. These 50 years are filled with memories shared around a bucket of chicken, and our birthday campaign is all about honouring those moments. We are grateful to our customers, our families and proud of our team that continues to bring the KFC magic to life every day.”