A new KFC restaurant in Headington looks ready to open soon.

Signs for the Kentucky Fried Chicken chain have now gone up at the Windmill Road site and residents are discussing the new diner.

The chain confirmed in April that 30 new jobs were being created.

READ MORE: Gourmet burger restaurant opening in Cornmarket 

Planning permission was granted by Oxford City Council on April 12 to convert the building into a takeaway restaurant.

A KFC spokesperson said at the time: “The Colonel’s team has been working hard behind the scenes and we’ve got a shiny new coop coming to Headington soon – watch this space.

“We can’t wait to bring you our delicious fried chicken and 30 new jobs to the local area too.”

1-3 Windmill Road used to be occupied by the Oxford Fine Food Store.

The shop opened at the beginning of last year but closed soon afterwards due to high running costs including utility bills.

READ MORE: Fire engines tackle blaze in Blackbird Leys 

KFC has been granted permission to operate at the premises between the hours of 11am and 11pm.

The chain was also given permission to make alterations to the shop front.

There are currently KFC branches in Cowley Road, Cornmarket and at Templars retail park in Cowley.

In 2019, before the pandemic, KFC said it wanted to open at least nine new outlets in Oxfordshire.

The targeted areas were Summertown, Didcot, Abingdon and at the Sainsbury’s in Littlemore.

Most of the branches KFC wanted to open are drive-thrus, but a sit-down restaurant in Summertown was also planned.

It is understood that contractors at the Windmill Road site will be ready to complete their work next week.

A spokeswoman for KFC said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and a new KFC will be coming to Headington next week, bringing 25 new jobs and our delicious fried chicken to the local area.

"Our shiny new coop will offer locals dine-in, takeaway, delivery and click and collect – see you there!”

KFC was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, who died in 1980.

He was an entrepreneur who began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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