BUCYRUS — Kentucky Fried Chicken has completed a major remodeling of its 1659 Marion Road restaurant, with a revamped décor sure to please the Colonel himself.
The $100,000 project started Sept. 1 with exterior painting, then moved to the inside about a month later, according to co-owner Brooke Korbas.
“It’s really nice, very bright and airy and definitely a fresh new look,” she said.
The dining room boasts all new LED lighting, both track and pendant style, as well as updated tables, chairs and booths in a red, white and black theme. The showpiece is a KFC bucket – a chandelier suspended above a family-style seating area.
The beverage or “filling” station has been moved from the corner of the restaurant to the end of the counter, which now features a white quartz countertop and a chalkboard showcasing the cooks who prepare the Finger Lickin’ Good food each day.
The facelift also includes a “Celebrity Chef Wall,” a colorful display of framed photographs of founder Col. Harland Sanders in his iconic white suit. Other artwork provided by the Dallas-based company ties in with Sanders or his world-famous fried chicken.
“I think they did a really good job, something kind of unique,” said Korbas, who purchased the local fast-food chain with her father, Dana Pennell, 13 years ago. The two also took on a remodeling project back in 2008.
Although the drive-thru remained open, the lobby closed during this year’s facelift but re-opened Nov. 4. Since then, Korbas said, customers stopping in for lunch and dinner have commented favorably on the furnishings and fixtures, especially the “bucket” light.
“All the comments have been very positive,” Korbas said. “Customers like the openness of it, the lighting and the filling station. Everyone seems really happy, so we’re thrilled, and of course it’s always nice to have something new.”
In addition to new menu offerings like wings and mac and cheese bowls, KFC is offering GrubHub food delivery. Korbas said catering is always popular, with longtime manager Bridget Kegley ensuring orders are stocked with plates and utensils.
Next spring, she said, plans are to repave the parking lot and make other minor improvements to the establishment.
