TORONTO

Attention foodies: KFC is going upscale.

The world’s first KFC Select — a higher-end version of the franchise founded by Colonel Sanders — is slated to open mid-December at 730 Yonge St., south of Bloor St.

“It’s all of the great things about KFC that Canadians already love with a fresh, contemporary twist,” David Vivenes, chief marketing officer of KFC Canada, said Wednesday. “We’re very excited about this new concept.”

If you’re looking for a deep-fried chicken leg breaded with 11 herbs and spices or bright green coleslaw, you won’t find them at the new restaurant.

The menu at the “fast casual” restaurant includes Mexican-themed items, like soft flour tortilla burritos filled with grilled chicken, cilantro and rice, and a crispy chicken fillet sandwich topped with cilantro mayo, mild cheddar and lettuce.

“There are some menu items that are common to both KFC and KFC Select,” like crispy strips, but Vivenes said the new menu is geared toward a “more urban customer base.”

Another standout on the KFC Select menu is the Kream Ball dessert, made up of a swirl of vanilla ice cream, chocolate hazelnut drizzle and bits of chocolate.

Shehzad Janmohamed, with KFC franchise partner Soul Foods, said the new open-kitchen plan is “welcoming.”

“The ambiance will be both contemporary and warm,” he said.

Janmohamed said the design will pay hommage to Sanders, who Vivenes fondly called the “original celebrity chef.”

There are already plans for a second KFC Select Toronto location to open sometime in the spring, but Janmohamed would not say where.

“From an economic perspective, we expect these stores to do very well in the marketplace,” he said. “It’s high quality food at a very reasonable price.”