Yum Brands’ Chinese restaurants sales grow in Q1

KFC parent Yum Brands (YUM.NYSE) posted 9% sales growth in established restaurants in China in the first quarter of the year, in line with analysts’ estimates, Reuters reported, citing an earnings report. The fast-food operator gets more than half of its sales from China, where most of its more than 6,300 restaurants are KFCs. China’s KFC enjoyed an 11% growth in sales after its first-quarter results got a boost from a revamped menu and special promotions featuring Chinese celebrities. Yum’s rising revenues proves it is making a strong recovery from an avian flu outbreak and a food safety scare that pummeled demand for chicken last year.