KFC | National Growth Programme
Client: Restaurant Brands
Project Type: Hospitality
Project Manager: Mike Hawke, Jake Oram, Alex Bulley
Location: New Zealand
When Restaurant Brands needed a project management partner to help modernise their KFC franchises across New Zealand, they turned to BPM.
Restaurant Brands New Zealand is the company behind some of the country's best-known food chains — operating KFC, Taco Bell, and other major brands at scale. With a nationwide network of restaurants, keeping each location fresh, on-brand, and fit for the modern customer requires ongoing capital investment and a construction partner who understands the unique demands of live hospitality environments.
The result is a better experience for every customer who walks through the door — and a more efficient, comfortable working environment for the people behind the counter.
Scope of Works Across KFC Projects
BPM has delivered multiple KFC restaurant refurbishments and new builds across New Zealand — from KFC Cavendish and KFC Māngere in Auckland to KFC Kaiti on the East Coast, to franchises down in Invercargill… Whether it's a targeted interior upgrade or a full restaurant rebuild, our project management approach keeps every KFC project running to schedule, within budget, and with the minimal operational disruption that trading environments demand.
-
Full Interior Refurbishments
End-to-end restaurant interior transformation — new layouts, finishes, furniture, and brand-compliant design upgrades that modernise the full customer experience.
Drive-Thru Construction
New drive-thru lane design, construction, and infrastructure — including canopies, order points, payment and collection windows, and associated civil works.
Digital Self-Order Kiosks
Installation and integration of touchscreen self-order kiosk systems — including structural backing, power, and data connections — to improve throughput and customer satisfaction.
HVAC System Upgrades
Replacement and upgrade of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems — improving comfort, energy efficiency, and compliance with current standards.
Roof Replacements
Structural and weathertightness roof replacement works completed as part of broader refurbishment programmes or as standalone capital projects.
Benchtops & Joinery
New commercial-grade benchtops, counters, and joinery — designed and installed to meet KFC's brand standards and the durability demands of a high-volume hospitality environment.
Bathroom Upgrades
Full bathroom and amenities refurbishments — new fixtures, finishes, accessible design compliance, and waterproofing to a high hospitality standard.
Minor Refresh Works
Targeted cosmetic and functional upgrades — signage, lighting, paint, and fittings — for restaurants that need a freshen-up without the disruption of a full refurbishment.
New Builds
Our KFC work spans the full spectrum of project delivery — from targeted refurbishments of existing restaurants through to ground-up new builds. When Restaurant Brands identifies a new site, BPM manages the entire construction process from initial scope and consenting through to fitout, equipment installation, and handover. New build projects require close coordination across civil works, structural construction, mechanical and electrical services, and brand-compliant interior fitout — all delivered to the tight timelines that a new restaurant opening demands. Whether we're working within an existing building shell or delivering a standalone drive-thru format from the ground up, our approach ensures every new KFC opens on time, on budget, and ready to trade from day one.
-
Managing construction on a live restaurant site requires a different level of planning, communication, and coordination than a conventional construction project. Here's how BPM approaches it.
01 Scope & Programme Development
We work closely with Restaurant Brands and their brand team to define the full scope, establish the project budget, and develop a construction programme that sequences works to protect trading operations throughout the build.
02 Subcontractor Management
We procure and manage the full subcontractor team — from builders and electricians to joinery specialists and HVAC engineers — coordinating trades to keep the programme moving and quality consistently high.
03 Live-Site Operational Planning
Where restaurants need to remain trading during works, we develop staging plans that isolate construction zones, manage noise and dust, and schedule the most disruptive phases for after hours or lower-trading periods.
04 Quality & Compliance Oversight
We oversee all works for quality and code compliance — ensuring that every element of the fitout meets both Restaurant Brands' brand standards and New Zealand building consent requirements.
05 Clear Communication Throughout
Regular reporting to Restaurant Brands keeps stakeholders informed at every stage — no surprises, no guesswork. Just clear, proactive communication so decisions are made quickly and the programme stays on track.
06 Handover & Post-Completion
We manage the handover process thoroughly — ensuring defects are resolved, documentation is complete, and the restaurant team can reopen or begin full trading with confidence in what's been delivered.
-
Nationwide Reach
We manage projects from Auckland to Invercargill — with the subcontractor relationships and regional knowledge to deliver consistently wherever the site is located.
Live-Site Expertise
We understand how to plan and stage construction on trading hospitality sites — protecting revenue and customer experience throughout the build.
Franchise Brand Experience
We know how to work within the design standards and approval processes of major franchise brands — delivering to specification, on time, every time.
Clear Communication
Regular, proactive reporting keeps clients informed and in control — no surprises, fast decisions, and projects that stay on track.
-
What does a project manager do on a hospitality or restaurant fitout?
A project manager on a hospitality fitout coordinates everything from scope and budget development through to subcontractor management, construction oversight, and final handover. They act as the single point of accountability between the client — in this case Restaurant Brands — and the full construction team.
In restaurant environments specifically, an experienced project manager also plans works carefully around trading hours, manages access and staging so the business can continue to operate where possible, and schedules the most disruptive phases of construction to minimise impact on customers and staff.
What is typically involved in a KFC restaurant refurbishment?
A KFC refurbishment can range from a targeted cosmetic refresh through to a full-scale interior or exterior rebuild. Common elements include new benchtops, counters and joinery, refreshed bathrooms, HVAC system upgrades, digital self-order kiosk installation, updated signage and lighting, and in some cases drive-thru construction or structural roof replacement.
The scope of each project is driven by the restaurant's age, condition, and the brand's current design standards — with the goal of delivering a consistent, modern customer experience that reflects the KFC brand.
How do you manage a restaurant refurbishment without closing the restaurant?
Managing construction on a live restaurant site is one of the most complex challenges in commercial fitout — and one BPM has significant experience navigating. The approach starts with detailed pre-construction planning: sequencing works so that the kitchen, service counter, or dining areas can remain operational in rotation while different zones are under construction.
Works that generate significant noise, dust, or disruption — such as structural demolition or HVAC replacement — are typically scheduled for after-hours or during periods of lower trading. Clear communication between the project team, restaurant management, and subcontractors is essential to making this work in practice.
Does BPM manage hospitality and retail fitouts outside of Auckland?
Yes. BPM has a proven track record of delivering hospitality and retail projects nationwide — including KFC refurbishments at locations from Auckland to Gisborne and beyond. We have experience engaging and managing subcontractor networks in both major metropolitan markets and regional centres across New Zealand.
Our project management model is location-agnostic: the same rigorous approach to planning, communication, and delivery applies whether we're working on a restaurant in central Auckland or a regional location in the South Island.
What types of hospitality and retail projects does BPM take on?
BPM works across the full range of hospitality and retail construction — from fast food restaurant refurbishments and new restaurant builds to retail fitouts, drive-thru construction, and commercial interior upgrades. We have particular expertise in working within national franchise environments, where brand compliance, consistent delivery standards, and operational continuity are non-negotiable requirements.
If you're a franchise operator, property owner, or retail brand looking for a reliable project management partner for your next fitout or refurbishment, we'd welcome the conversation.
11 Secret Ingredients To A Cluckin’ Good Build
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…
Planning a restaurant refurbishment or retail fitout?
Talk to BPM about how we can deliver your next hospitality or retail project — on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to your operations.