Which fast-food franchise was the first American restaurant chain to open in China, in 1987?

Kentucky Fried Chicken was the first American restaurant chain to open in China, in 1987.

KFC opened its first Chinese restaurant in Beijing in 1987. The location was near Tiananmen Square and became an important early example of a major Western food franchise entering the Chinese market.

McDonald’s followed several years later, opening its first mainland China restaurant in Beijing in 1992. That later opening is one reason the two milestones are sometimes mixed up. KFC’s earlier arrival gave it a substantial head start in China.

KFC also adapted its offerings for Chinese customers, adding products and flavors beyond the traditional fried-chicken menu. China later became one of the chain’s largest markets, with restaurants operated through a separate local business structure.