Desire A Complimentary Bucket Of Fried Chicken? KFC's Latest Promotion Simplifies Access

Is there an additional bonus? Fried pickles have arrived.

Credit: Scott Eisen/ Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kentucky Fried Chicken is revamping its menu this summer as it embarks on a "comeback era," and we are all participating in this transformation. In today's statement, the 75-year-old chain unveiled a three-part strategy to recapture public interest, which includes expanding the menu to attract a new generation.

“We are fully cognizant of the most recent fried chicken rankings, and I am eager to initiate a daring Kentucky Fried Comeback to reaffirm our identity to America.” KFC president Catherine Tan-Gillespie stated, "If individuals can afford their ex-partners a million opportunities, I trust our fans can extend us one as well." “By heeding our customers and responding to their feedback, we will restore our rightful position in the fried chicken industry we pioneered.”

Not every instance of granting an ex a second opportunity has been successful; yet, we value the optimism. In contrast to unsuccessful situationships, KFC is genuinely soliciting direct and candid input through an online form.

KFC will provide a complimentary Fried Chicken Bucket with any $15 purchase, allowing you to sample all 11 herbs and spices personally. Unimpressed? KFC is introducing a more exciting meal featuring new Fried Pickles accompanied by Comeback Sauce or ranch, and the reintroduction of the $7 Fill Ups meal.

KFC introduces Fried Pickles with Comeback Sauce, capitalizing on the trend of pickle-themed fast food. It is a direct reaction to competitors such as Popeyes and Sonic capitalizing on the trend.

It is evident why a legacy company would seek to captivate the younger demographic. Last week, Yelp released an extensive assessment of the premier chicken sandwich chains in the United States. Despite its 75-year advantage, KFC ranked 18th overall, trailing behind more contemporary restaurants such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Zaxby’s.

What is their response? A revitalized social strategy designed to seize a portion of the online market that has benefited businesses such as Raising Cane’s. KFC is currently modifying the persona of its longstanding mascot, Colonel Sanders, on Instagram. KFC asserts that the era of cheerful Sanders and whimsical language in advertising is now a thing of the past. “The Colonel would disapprove of our market share, and we are committed to reminding America of our identity,” Tan-Gillespie emphasizes in the announcement.

Nevertheless, the campaign is not wholly innovative. KFC is not the inaugural chain to embrace the pickle fad this year. This spring, Popeyes, a Louisiana-style competitor, launched a limited-time menu specifically designed for enthusiasts of pickles, featuring Pickle Glaze sandwiches, wings, fried pickles, and a complementary lemonade. Sonic Drive-In, the Oklahoma-based restaurant, has collaborated with Grillo’s Pickles to offer Pickle-Seasoned Tots, zesty Sonic Smasher burgers, and a pickle slush. This trend is unlikely to dissipate.

KFC hints at additional offerings in the following months. I trust you are famished.