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KFC Guam on Saturday celebrated its 50th anniversary at Micronesia Mall, marking the start of a new era for the franchise, one that is "spicier" and rides the momentum of KFC being voted Pika's Best fried chicken and the return of its hot and spicy chicken menu item, Guam Fast Foods chief marketing officer Edgar Caper said. Hundreds of residents filled Micronesia Mall's center court to near capacity for KFC's milestone celebration. "50 years ago, KFC opened its doors with one simple promise, to serve the world's best fried chicken made with the same 11 secret herbs and spices and continue to bring joy to millions,” Caper said. “As we celebrate this golden milestone, we're reminded that what makes KFC special isn't just the recipe; it's the people behind it and to our loyal customers who have made KFC part of your celebrations.” Caper added that the spirit of KFC Guam is bold, flavorful, and full of fire, proved by the franchise becoming one of the strongest markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The fast-food franchise first opened on Guam in 1975. Its eight branches are in Tamuning, Mangilao, Anigua, Dededo, Yigo, Micronesia Mall, Guam Premier Outlets, and Barrigada. A ninth location will be announced. Guam has the highest penetrated KFC market per capita consumption, with one location for every 20,000 people, local franchise officials said. The mainland United States’ per capita is one per 60,000. Guam was also the first franchise to roll out breakfast in the U.S. and its territories, the only market to offer red rice, and the second oldest market in the world after Japan for franchise. In its presentation on Saturday, KFC featured dance performances from SKIP and Stargazers, raffled prizes for customers, and video testimonies from employees and customers. Frank Cruz, vice president and general manager of Guam Fast Foods, has managed KFC Guam for 38 years. When he first started, Guam only had three locations, and now, it has eight. "[KFC Guam] has one of the higher turnovers globally, but my core team, my restaurant general managers, most of them have been there with me for at least 15 or longer years,” Cruz said. “We try to take care of our RGMs, and they'll take care of you, especially after COVID.” Cruz also told the Pacific Daily News that the changes in tariffs “haven't really affected us when it comes to the food commodities” because they get their products straight from the United States. What has changed financially is when KFC needs equipment that would be sourced outside of the U.S. “We have seen some growth and some cost increase on that, but that's the nature of doing business," Cruz said. "We do our best to try to optimize those things." Although continuing to thrive, the franchise’s greatest challenge post-COVID has been staffing. “We do a lot of things to try to encourage and give them incentives to stay but it's been difficult,” Cruz said. The franchise has gone more digital to both accommodate the staffing issue and move forward in the technological era. Five locations offer online ordering and delivery, and soon, Cruz added, “we’ll install kiosks and you’ll be able to pre-order as well.” Orders can be placed online via WhatsApp, Facebook, and the KFC Guam website.
