Profit before tax soared nearly 51% to $19 million and profit after tax rose nearly 52% to $13.5 million.
In the same period, total operating revenue rose 3.9%.
The improved profit led directors to declare an interim dividend of 7c per share, up 55.6% on the previous period.
Financial markets see Restaurant Brands as an accurate indicator of the general state of the economy.
As households cut back on their discretionary spending in restaurants, KFC and Pizza Hut sales usually rise as people see them as a cheaper alternative for "treats" and dining out.
KFC fared particularly well in the latest six months.
Forsyth Barr broker Suzanne Kinnaird said the result was better than expected, with KFC again the standout performer.
"They haven't altered their guidance for the full year and remain slightly cautious about the current economic environment. Their strategy remains the same - to continue growing KFC, shrink Pizza Hut and retain a holding pattern with Starbucks."
Forsyth Barr would be increasing its valuation slightly but maintaining its hold recommendation, she said.
Restaurant Brands chief executive Russel Creedy said same store sales across the company were up 4.9% for the period, still driven primarily by KFC.
KFC earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) were up $4.8 million, or 20.1%, in the half-year.
Pizza Hut improved by $900,000, or 42.5%, and Starbucks Coffee was up $600,000, or 47.9%.
Some leverage from higher sales, in the case of KFC, some gains from closures of poorer performing stores, in the case of Pizza Hut and Starbucks Coffee, and improved operations and lower input prices across all three brands contributed to the improved result, he said.
However, while Restaurant Brands had continued to enjoy solid profit growth in the first half of the year, the previous profit guidance remained.
The company was expected to make a full-year profit of between $24 million and $26 million.
"Economic storm clouds still remain on the horizon and the full impact of the GST increase versus lower direct tax rates has yet to work through into consumer spending.
"Consumer spending is not bullish," Mr Creedy said.
The KFC business would continue to deliver solid profits into the second half of the year. It would be rolling over some very strong second-half results from the previous year.
Pizza Hut would maintain the operational improvements of the first half but would see some input price increases.
Continued improvements in Starbucks Coffee sales was also expected towards the end of the financial year but margin growth would be limited by input price increases, he said.
The KFC transformation would continue with another four stores to be transformed and two new stores opened by the end of the year. Pizza Hut stores would continue to be sold to franchisees during the rest of the year.
The profit after tax for the second half of the year would be consistent with the same period last year, Mr Creedy said.
