Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Bermuda has always been a unique and original presence in the world of international fast food. In 1970, when Scottish-born entrepreneur Mr. Ian Paton set up KFC locally, the now-familiar fried chicken emporium became one of the first -- and last -- fast food franchises to open up on the Island. At the time, there were no other outlets of its kind in Bermuda, a fact which made KFC both a trendsetter and a wake-up call to local preservationists. According to Mr. Paton, the law governing fast food franchises in Bermuda was re-examined after KFC set up shop and consequently altered to protect the Island's distinctive visual landscape. The fear, as Mr.

Paton explains it, was that other foreign-based restaurants would follow KFC's lead and chip away at the Island's uniquely Bermudian flavour. "Quite rightly, Bermudians decided that one was more than enough,'' the franchise owner recalls. As a result, the always forward-looking KFC enterprise was able to squeak in to become the only such outlet on non-military land here. And it's never looked back. "We've become tremendously popular with the local population, which makes up the bulk of our customers,'' Mr. Paton says, adding that KFC will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Bermuda on Valentine's Day of next year. "Young people in particular love to come in.'' According to Mr.

Paton, KFC's success here is due in large part to its attention to quality, its "low-key'' presence on the Island and its regard for the people it both serves and employs. He is particularly proud of his many long-standing staffers. "We still have employees who were with us when we opened in 1970,'' he says. But while KFC can revel in its roots and longevity, it is also just as likely to explore something new. Pizza, Mr. Paton says, is the most recent example. "It's a new concept that we're trying out,'' he explains, noting that the Bermuda operation will be one of the few KFC franchises in the world to offer both chicken and pizza on the same premises. And it is probably the only spot on the planet that offers the Bermuda Isle, a locally inspired pizza made up of onions, green peppers and Portu guese hot sausage. "It's not unusual,'' Mr. Paton says of the whole pizza and chicken concept. "But it is rare.'' And it likely won't be the end. According to Mr. Paton, KFC is already looking forward to the possibility of yet another new product. "We're looking into getting a roasted chicken on the market,'' Mr. Paton says. "We're waiting for the new equipment to be approved by KFC right now.'' In the meantime, Bermudians will be able to sink their teeth into the new pizza and pasta dishes that become available today. After 25 years of fast food excellence, they know that even these latest offerings will be finger lickin' good. PHOTO SERVICE WITH A SMILE -- Both management and staff have recently undergone training to deal with the many changes and handle the new equipment at KFC. Additional staff have also been hired.

SPACIOUS SEATING -- A new kitchen, service and dining area has been connected to the existing dining section. Six cash registers and a pick up area will ensure orders are processed promptly in the new extension.