Latest news with #KentuckyFriedComeback
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
KFC Announces Major Change to Menu
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has announced a significant update to its U.S. menu with the introduction of fried pickles alongside a nationwide promotion offering free buckets of chicken to eligible customers. The campaign, branded as the "Kentucky Fried Comeback," aims to reestablish KFC's position in the highly competitive fast-food chicken market. "They're trying to win back the American customer by offering an incentive to get them back in the store," one expert told Newsweek. Why It Matters KFC has faced increased competition from other chicken-focused fast-food brands, prompting operational improvements and menu innovations. The menu changes follow KFC's efforts to address customer feedback on quality and taste and signal a renewed focus on flavor and trend-forward offerings. The KFC corporate logo is displayed on a sign at their restaurant on January 31, 2025 in San Diego, California. The KFC corporate logo is displayed on a sign at their restaurant on January 31, 2025 in San Diego, to Know KFC's new fried pickles can be ordered as a side and are paired with the brand's Comeback Sauce or ranch dressing, KFC said in its release. Additionally, the company reintroduced its $7 Fill Ups meal deals. To further entice customers, KFC is providing a free bucket of eight pieces of chicken or tenders to customers who spend at least $15 through the KFC app or website and are members of the KFC Rewards program. The company is urging customers to "try our chicken, tell us what you think and help co-create this comeback." "We're well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings, and I'm fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are," Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., said in the company's press release. "If people can give their ex a million second chances, I hope our fans can give us one." KFC's "Comeback Era" leverages nostalgia by putting Colonel Sanders front and center in advertising, now with a more serious expression reflecting the company's "relentless pursuit of the best fried chicken." "KFC is seeing a drop in revenue, with a reported 1 percent decline in same-store sales in the U.S. from the year prior," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "They're trying to win back the American customer by offering an incentive to get them back in the store." Newsweek reached out to KFC for comment via email. WalletHub writer and analyst Chip Lupo said the 'Kentucky Fried Comeback' couldn't come at a more critical time for the brand. With fast food prices rising 47 percent over the past decade, many Americans, particularly in states like Kentucky, Mississippi, and New Mexico are feeling the financial strain of what used to be an affordable indulgence, he said. In Kentucky alone, residents spend nearly 0.5 percent of their monthly income on just one fast-food meal for the family, according to WalletHub. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "This strategy isn't new. They want people to sign up for their rewards program to access a "free chicken bucket" deal. This is nothing more than classic data mining in my opinion. Companies have finally caught on that customer data is the new gold." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "KFC's decision to give out 'free' buckets of chicken should come as no surprise. The fast food chain has fallen behind in market share in recent years to some of its other chicken-centric rivals that continue to add locations and gain customers. The deal is unlike some of the others we've seen fast food chains employ, as it doesn't deal with just a cheaper price but rather has a spending threshold of $15 customers must reach before the free bucket is earned." WalletHub writer and analyst Chip Lupo told Newsweek: "This comeback strategy, including free buckets and $7 meal deals, is a smart response to growing price sensitivity and KFC's sagging market share. These kinds of promotions can help re-establish value for consumers who are increasingly questioning whether the speed and convenience of fast food are still worth the cost." What Happens Next The free chicken bucket offer is available for a limited time to customers using KFC's digital ordering channels. Fried pickles will only be available while supplies last. The campaign is part of broader efforts to enhance menu variety, modernize restaurant technology, and attract a new generation of customers, as the brand continues to focus on trend-forward menu innovations and operational improvements. But analysts say some of the push could also be in the data rewards programs that customers can gain from once they join. "They're betting customers will jump at the freebie and join the rewards program," Thompson said. "Once they have your data, they can study your habits, tailor their ads, and figure out exactly how to pull you back in. This is the game now. Fast food isn't just about food anymore—it's about tracking behavior."
Time Out
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
KFC is giving out free buckets of fried chicken this summer—here's how to get one
In the words of LL Cool J: 'Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years.' Even though KFC has been here for as long as any of us can remember—75 years to be exact—the iconic fast-food chain has decided that now is the perfect time for a 'comeback'. In an effort to get new customers and bring back old fans of Colonel Sanders's fried chicken featuring his 'legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices', the timeless chain is offering guests a free bucket of its crispy, savory fried chicken. That's right, not just one wing or breast—an entire free bucket. The Kentucky Fried Chicken folks are referring to it as a 'Free Bucket on Us,' a deal that gets you a free eight-piece bucket of Original Recipe fried chicken or tenders with a $15 or more purchase made through the KFC app or on (The offer must be redeemed prior to checkout.) After you get your bucket, all they ask is that you try the chicken, tell them what you think about it, and do your part to help with the brand's comeback. "We're well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings and I'm fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are. If people can give their ex a million second chances, I hope our fans can give us one," Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President, KFC U.S. said in a press release. "By listening to our customers and addressing feedback, we'll reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started. Come back and give us a shot—your first bucket's on us." The folks at KFC want you to know they're serious about returning to fried chicken prominence (and a better market share). But they're doing more than simply stating this—the Colonel's expression on signage, billboards, and social media has even changed from his usual smile to a much more contemplative face to show just how serious this campaign is. To further the "comeback," the brand is
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
KFC plots tasty ‘comeback' with free buckets of chicken — here's how to scoop one up
Cluck, yeah! Kentucky Fried Chicken has announced it's 'entering its comeback era' — and offering customers free buckets of chicken in a bid to get chicken lovers back to the chain restaurant. The chain said it has made 'great strides' to improve its chicken with a 'renewed focus' on what consumers want most. Advertisement The 'Free Bucket On Us' promotion runs through Aug. 24. KFC Though its Original Recipe chicken hasn't changed from its blend of 11 herbs and spices, KFC noted that it changed its operations to make the chicken better — crispy, hot and 'unmistakably original.' 'We're well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings and I'm fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are,' Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC US, said in a statement. Advertisement 'If people can give their ex a million second chances, I hope our fans can give us one.' The 'Free Bucket On Us' offer is available on KFC's app and website, and customers can pick between a free eight-piece bucket of chicken or tenders with an online purchase of $15 or more. According to the press release, the brand has one simple request for those who visit Colonel Sanders to try the improved chicken. The company asked fans to share their thoughts on the chicken, with the announcement linking back to their online contact form so fans can 'help co-create this comeback.' 'By listening to our customers and addressing feedback, we'll reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started. Come back and give us a shot—your first bucket's on us,' Tan-Gillespie said. Advertisement The promotion runs through Aug. 24. KFC also added Kentucky Fried Pickles to its menu, which come with Comeback Sauce or ranch and will be on the menu alongside the returning $7 Fill Ups meal, while supplies last. Colonel Sanders isn't playing around, either. The brand shifted the Colonel's expression on signage and billboards as part of its comeback plan, moving away from his typical cheerful face to a serious demeanor. 'The Colonel would not be happy about our market share, and we're serious about reminding America exactly who we are: the game changer with a relentless pursuit of the best fried chicken. We won't smile until our customers do,' Tan-Gillespie said.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
KFC has tweaked its chicken preparation. How to get a free bucket
Kentucky Fried Chicken is giving away free buckets of chicken to customers. The fast food brand was built on a "legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices," but has made strides in operations to improve its taste and customer satisfaction scores. Now, it's inviting customers back to taste the difference — "crispy, hot, and unmistakably original," the restaurant said in a July 14 news release. The 'Kentucky Fried Comeback' promotion is for an eight-piece tenders or chicken bucket, and comes as a slew of fast food industry players have launched fried chicken items. Last week, McDonald's reintroduced its Snack Wrap, sparking a friendly war on tortilla-wrapped chicken. How to get a free KFC bucket of chicken The eight-piece bucket offer is a digital offer, available on and the KFC app at select stores through the KFC Rewards account with a minimum $15 online purchase (before taxes and other fees). The offer must be redeemed before checkout, and it cannot be combined with other offers. Customers are responsible for taxes and fees. The promotion ends on Aug. 24. KFC moving its headquarters KFC is currently headquartered in Louisville, but recently announced plans to move out of Kentucky. In February, its owner, Yum! Brands, said it will create two new brand headquarters in Plano, Texas, and Irvine, California. About 100 KFC corporate employees will relocate to Texas this year with 90 remote workers doing the same into early 2027. KFC moves HQ: How many jobs are leaving Louisville with KFC's move to Texas? Here's what we know Contact Midwest Connect reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cjackson@ or 317-444-6264. Follow her on @cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @
Economic Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
KFC's comeback: Fast Food restaurant offers free buckets of chicken to all customers. How can you get one?
Kentucky Fried Chicken is stepping back into the spotlight with a bold new campaign and is offering free chicken to all customers. KFC has been losing ground to top contenders like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes and the offer is aimed to woo its customers. But the offer comes with a twist and the announcement comes days after McDonald's brought back its fan-favorite Snack Wrap. KFC announced its 'Free Bucket On Us' promotion, a digital offer available on its website and app aimed at those of us who haven't visited Colonel Sanders in a while Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads KFC offers free buckets of chicken Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to grab free bucket of KFC chicken Are you craving for fried chicken? If yes, then Kentucky Fried Chicken ( KFC ) has a good news for you. The fast food business chain has announced what it's calling the Kentucky Fried Comeback—a bold move to win back customers. Yes, you read that right. KFC is offering customers free buckets of chicken as part of its 'Kentucky Fried Comeback.'The campaign, announced on Monday, offers customers a bucket of the chain's Original Recipe chicken with any $15 purchase made through the KFC app or website. But the offer comes with a twist- the customers must be a KFC Rewards member.'By listening to our customers and addressing their feedback, we'll reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started,' said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC US. The announcement comes just days after McDonald's brought back its fan-favorite Snack announced its 'Free Bucket On Us' promotion, a digital offer available on its website and app aimed at those of us who haven't visited Colonel Sanders in a while. The chains says it has made 'great strides' to improve its chicken and wants us all to come see for just this, customers are also being asked to sample and provide feedback on the chicken to 'co‑create' the chain's return to greatness."We're well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings, and I'm fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are," KFC executive Catherine Tan-Gillespie said in a news release. "By listening to our customers and addressing feedback, we'll reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started."KFC's fried chicken, made of Colonel's 'legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices', is what attracted the food chain giant's customer base. KFC says its kitchens are ready to welcome customers back to taste the difference-- 'crispy, hot, and unmistakably original' after improvement in taste and customer you want to get the free KFC chicken bucket, customers must first go online and spend $15. Through this deal, customers can choose between a free eight-piece bucket of chicken or tenders with a $15 or more online purchase on KFC's app or website. The offer must be redeemed prior to promotion ends of Aug. 24, says the chain, and is limited to one bucket per account. 'Free Bucket On Us' deal is a digital offer announced by the company which only applicable on and the KFC app at participating locations. The offer cannot be combined with any other deal or discount, and the responsibility of taxes and fees is on the customer.
