A KFC restaurant has opened its doors once again under new management to serve 'finger lickin'' chicken once again. 

Ferndown's Ringwood Road KFC re-opened its doors on June 18 under new management, K&Z Management who have said they are 'thrilled to be bringing new jobs and business to the area'.

Since it initially closed in September 2023, K&Z  have spent time renovating the restaurant in recent weeks to give the restaurant a 'revamped' design and has hired 35 staff members into the business. 

Shahaz Nanji, managing director at K&Z Holdings said: “We’ve certainly missed our Ferndown fans, so we’re really excited to see our renovated restaurant re-open its doors to the local community. 

"We know we play an important role in the local area so we’re thrilled to be bringing new jobs and business to Ferndown. Can’t wait for you all to meet the team.”

Fears grew after the closure of the KFC that another unit would be left abandoned within Ferndown after a bout of other closures. 

Both Wilko and Wetherspoon pub The Nightjar also announced in September of that year they would close doors which meant several residents were left jobless. 

Out of the three, only KFC has returned to the area with many left excited by the news after the original upset the closure created. 

Rumours had spread for months that it would re-open with one resident creating an April Fools joke on Facebook on April 1 that the store had announced it would re-open.

Despite not true, it only took the popular chicken chain until the following month to announce that it was planned to re-open.

A spokesperson for KFC on May 31 said: “Fear not KFC fans of Ferndown! The rumours are true, our Ringwood Road coop will be re-opening soon.

"Watch this space for more information!”

KFC had also previously expressed plans to expand in Bournemouth town centre, taking over the unit at Immaculate Chaos Tattoo Studio in Christchurch Road.

KFC also has branches in Castlepoint in Bournemouth, Tower Park in Poole along with Winton High Street in Wimborne Road.

The Ferndown restaurant will offer dine-in, takeaway, delivery, click and collect and drive-thru.