The KFC outlet under construction near Siramtoli Chowk in Ranchi on Wednesday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Twenty-one cities and 107 restaurants in India later, Colonel Sanders is ready to march into Ranchi with his “finger licking good” Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the first outlet of which is set for opening at the end of this month.

Boneless strips, hot wings, twister wings, zinger meals, veg snackers, veg rizo and meals in a bucket for those larger gatherings, KFC has something for everyone, especially chicken lovers.

To be spread over a sprawling 4,000sqft at Siramtoli in Bahu Bazar, the state’s maiden KFC outlet is being giving the final touches — the blazing red trademark colour an integral part of the decor and furnishings. D-day is November 29.

For a city obsessed with catching up over a cuppa, the outlet’s designated coffee area — KFC Krushers — where you can try the new kaffecino range of cold coffees starting at just Rs 25, is a hit waiting to happen. The bright décor is designed to beckon youngsters, who have made sure other fast-food chains in the city like Domino’s, Subway and Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) are doing roaring business.

For those who swear by KFC’s crispy chicken, fried chicken and family feast, it will all be on offer with prices starting from Rs 25 and going up to Rs 670, depending on what you order from the counter staff who will also be dressed in, you guessed it, red.

Speaking to The Telegraph about the food chain, marketing manager of Gurgaon-based KFC India Bhanu Rohilla said the Ranchi outlet is part of the extension plans for the entire country. “We already have a presence in eastern India. We opened KFC outlets in Calcutta three years ago, which have proved to be huge hits with youngsters, like in every other city,” he said.

Sounding gung-ho about Ranchi, Rohilla said: “This city is growing in terms of multiplexes and food chains which are a magnet for youngsters. So we thought of expanding our business here.”

He added that there were plans to extend the chain in other cities of Jharkhand like Jamshedpur by early next year. Plan are afoot to open a KFC outlet in Patna as well.

“As far as the number of employees is concerned, we are yet to finalise anything,” he said. Notably all employees will be put through intensive training for a few days before they can actually interact with customers.

Meanwhile, the sense of anticipation among the city’s youths is understandably high. “Whenever I am in Delhi or Calcutta, visiting KFC is a must. We always wondered when they would open shop in our city as food chains do well here. Soon it will be a dream come true,” said second year St Xavier’s College commerce student Rachna Singh, echoing the general mood.