11 Secret Ingredients To A Cluckin’ Good Build
Next time you walk into your local KFC and notice the sleek new design, there’s a good chance we had a hand in it.
We’ve partnered with Restaurant Brands New Zealand - the team behind some of the country’s favourite food chains, including Aotearoa’s favourite, KFC - to deliver high-quality refurbishments and new builds for years. From Auckland to Invercargill, our projects have modernised and elevated the customer experience, getting you one step closer to a finger lickin’ good feed from the Colonel.
In this blog, we delve into what it takes to make the magic happen and support the national growth programme of one of the world's most iconic brands. KFC first arrived in New Zealand in 1971, opening its first store in Auckland. Since then, it has grown to over 100 stores nationwide, proudly serving the same “secret recipe” chicken - coated with Colonel Sanders’ famous 11 herbs and spices. In this blog we’re giving a cheeky nod to that secret blend…
We talk to our own Colonel (minus the dodgy facial hair) Dan Bradley, PMs Mike Hawke, Jake Oram and Director/GM of the North, Alex Bulley on their signature formula to a cluckin’ good build.
The Ingredients of a Strong Partnership
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Aligning on what success looks like - from timelines to customer experience.
As a values-driven company, BPM lives by what we do, not just what we say we’ll do - and that means walking the walk and not just talking the talk. KFC shares this philosophy, built on the Colonel’s belief that you should never cut corners. Aligned values create a foundation for a thriving partnership - what you might call… a pretty great recipe for success.
Alex Bulley explains:
“Building a relationship is like chicken with 11 herbs and spices. With the complexities of each spice and bold flavour, together they form an irresistible relationship. At BPM we have clear values and goals, and with overlapping core beliefs of quality, teamwork, integrity, and community, we’ve formed a bond that enables successful delivery over many years of the refurbishment and new build programme.”
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Knowing each partner will deliver on commitments.
BPM builds trust through clear contracts, open communication, and reliable delivery. Every KFC build begins with defined agreements, setting expectations and responsibilities. Transparent communication keeps everyone aligned - from design to brand - while protecting the “kitchen secrets” that make KFC unique. Challenges are addressed early and collaboratively. Most importantly, BPM delivers on time, to specification, and with minimal disruption.
KFC wants eating at their restaurants to feel just as good in people’s hearts as their chicken tastes in their mouths - we help build that experience. There’s no winging it.
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Open conversations solve problems quickly and keep projects moving.
Regular check-ins, clear documentation, and a willingness to listen keep everyone on the same page. This fosters collaboration rather than transactions.
PM Mike Hawke says:
“This work is fast-paced and requires urgency and decisions at a moment’s notice. Communication with main contractors and suppliers is key - for scheduling, transparency, and decision-making.”
Safe to say, he doesn’t cluck around.
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Collaboration makes or breaks any project.
At BPM we place a big emphasis on collaboration and creating a ‘safe’ environment. For that to happen we facilitate regular project touch points including: control groups, site meetings, design sessions and HSE/toolbox talks all channelled into a clear communication framework with KFC, contractors, and subcontractors. This ensures alignment on design, delivery, safety, and operations throughout the project. It’s not just how we communicate, but how we collaborate that keeps the project moving and keeps everyone safe.
PM Jake Oram says:
“Teamwork and commitment to HSE guide every sequence of our projects with Restaurant Brands, from designing safe drive-thrus and dining spaces to fostering leadership in safe, secure worksites, ensuring everyone returns home safely each day.”
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“Everyone has a place at my bucket” - valuing expertise and contributions.
The Colonel once said, “Fried chicken treats everyone the same, and so do we.” BPM shares this philosophy. Respect and manaakitanga are more than words; they’re principles we live by every day as Jake explains:
“BPM leads by example – fostering respect on site in our teams through our commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. We introduced the Contractor Wellness Package as a core tender requirement and the Contractor Wellness Survey, giving all project staff a voice and fostering a collaborative culture.”
Jake adds:
“By prioritising Health & Safety at every touchpoint, we enable everyone to work confidently, efficiently, and collaboratively while maintaining excellence in wellbeing. Tools like iAuditor help manage this efficiently.”
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An evolving construction landscape.
Construction is always evolving, and so are we. Every KFC has unique requirements - dining trends, regulations, and technology are constantly shifting.
BPM stays ahead by combining contract expertise with digital tools to reduce risk, ensure compliance, improve efficiency, strengthen trust and add strategic value in an industry where change doesn’t have to mean delays, disputes or costly mistakes.
Understanding contracts, standards and updates such as NZS3910:2023 means we can advise on cost, risk, and timeline implications before problems arise.
That way the only thing getting fried, is your supper.
Our very own Colonel Dan Bradley had this to say:
“Here's the thing about adaptability in construction - it's not about having a secret sauce, every project throws you curveballs. Regulations change. Tech evolves. Client expectations shift. The difference between getting burned and delivering success? Don't wing it. Prepare for change before it arrives.” -
Quality project after project.
Whether it’s a minor refresh or a full-scale rebuild, our teams know we’ll deliver high-quality work, every time.
Confidence is a dish best served hot, and consistency is key. When it comes to your fried chicken, you know no matter what KFC you visit, your meal will be the same quality… we pride ourselves and are as equally as unapologetically confident when it comes to delivering quality project after project.
Seeing is believing – check out these builds. Do you recognise any of these zingers?
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Creating better spaces for the public and team members.
BPM and Restaurant Brands share a vision of safe, convenient spaces for everyone. The Colonel said, “Millionaires and truck drivers ate off the same table. They were all just people who wanted a good meal.” We approach projects with the same drive.
Alex Bulley says:
“At BPM, we’re dedicated to delivering projects that positively impact the communities they serve.
Whether through revitalising iconic spaces, future-proofing buildings, or enabling large-scale public programmes, BPM’s focus remains clear: creating projects that people can enjoy, rely on, and be proud of.”
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Using technology and exceeding operational standards.
On fast-paced KFC builds, every minute and every detail counts. That’s why we utilise digital tools like C-Link, Prosper, and QSAI to make a real difference.
C-Link reduces risk, saves time, and minimises administrative errors across the procurement process. It centralises project information and contracts reducing disputes and improving communication between BPM, contractors, and Restaurant Brands.
Prosper streamlines subcontractor pre-qualification. And,
QSAI leverages AI to compare quotes instantly, highlighting anomalies or discrepancies that might otherwise go unnoticed improving accuracy, reducing human error, and speeds up decision-making.
By integrating these tools, BPM improves reporting, strengthens transparency, and speeds up the time between contractors submitting prices to starting on site – everyone wins.
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From small fixes to full transformations.
Some projects are minor - a bathroom refresh, a kiosk upgrade, or new flooring. Others are full-scale rebuilds that give an entire store a fresh new identity. No matter the scope, our focus stays the same: deliver high-quality work that supports Restaurant Brands’ vision for KFC across the motu.
Customers get to enjoy modern, comfortable spaces. Restaurant teams have safer, more efficient environments to work in. Local contractors and suppliers are supported through every project. Alex says it best:
“By understanding each individual’s requirements and goals, we tailor deliverables with transparency and honesty, delivering quality establishments for all to enjoy.”
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Maintaining the integrity of KFC’s iconic heritage and style.
We go all in embodying the brand, and as a result our PMs help icons like KFC remain consistent, instantly recognisable, and true to the values that made them such a legacy. Like all our team, Mike views this holistcally:
“Staying on brand in every way is paramount - from site setup and signage to HSE and interactions with contractors. At BPM, we’re proud to represent the client’s brand as an extension of their team.”
Cluck, yeah!
Behind every successful project is more than planning and skilled delivery - it’s a strong working relationship. At BPM, how we collaborate is just as important as what we build. That’s why our partnership with Restaurant Brands New Zealand is such a success story.