The fried chicken chain is adding something nationally that rival McDonald’s fans have been clamoring for.
Kentucky Fried Chicken is changing their menu…again.
The fast food restaurant occasionally introduces new menu items and some of the items that YUM Brands (Hmm) – Get a free reportKFC has added to their menu which has been um… interesting. KFC had a heart attack sandwich idea of using two fried chicken patties to replace buns in a sandwich, it was dubbed the KFC Double Down.
At one point, KFC even had a chicken-flavored lip balm. When the fast food chain launches crazy products, it’s hard to know exactly what is a serious new menu item or if it’s just a publicity stunt to get attention. While KFC’s 11 herbs and spices combined with fried chicken are scrumptious, I’m not sure anyone wants to lick their lips all day trying fried chicken, that can’t be a healthy option.
One menu item being tested that makes a lot of sense is the addition of KFC’s chicken nuggets. This item is only being tested in Charlotte, NC. The chicken nugget test unfortunately involves dropping the much-loved, bite-sized KFC Popcorn Chicken. It’s just a test, so who knows if it will hit the whole country. Since the chicken chain is known for introducing new and unique menu items, their menu capacity is not unlimited, so menu items tend to go off the list as well.
KFC removes regional products from its menu
While removing a fan-favorite menu item that’s been a chain restaurant staple isn’t exactly a great idea, it allows fast food to provide more efficiency in what it offers. kfc has dubbed its changes a simplification of the menu. It is about allowing the company to focus on efficiency and innovation.
“It’s really about delivering our most popular products perfectly every time and making room for new products,” said Brittany Wilson, KFC’s US director.
KFC will eliminate Kentucky Fried Chicken wings, popcorn chicken, Nashville hot sauce, strawberry lemonade and chocolate chip cookies. These popular menu items are being phased out because they aren’t offered nationwide, according to Wilson. The efficiencies gained from removing these menu items provide faster service time for customers, and while it doesn’t sound like much, a KFC franchise owner claimed that removing the other menu items has reduced delivery time by 11 seconds.
KFC has said it has seen an increase in customers looking for value and has been working to offer that to diners. With this in mind, by dropping the chicken wings, KFC noted that “a lot of younger consumers aren’t interested in eating bone-in chicken,” according to KFC head chef Christ Scott, speaking about the adding chicken nuggets to chicken wings.
KFC has cited that it has seen an increase in customers looking for value and KFC has been working to deliver just that. With this in mind, by ditching chicken wings, KFC has noted that “a lot of younger consumers aren’t interested in eating bone-in chicken, according to KFC head chef Christ Scott, speaking about adding chicken nuggets to chicken wings”. .
KFC reintroduces wraps
While some menu favorites will appear on menus across the country, customers have requested that other favorites return.
“We really got a lot of requests on social media for us to bring wraps back,” Wilson stated, later continuing that the 2 for $5 deal is being added at a time when “consumers are much more value conscious.” .
Wraps are only offered for a limited time, but the portability of on-the-go menu items is great. Wilson went on to say that takeout sandwiches will definitely be something they’ll consider in the future. While KFC is freeing up space in the back kitchen, it can cut costs as well as eliminate less popular items and focus more on accuracy and delivery time to the customer.
Menu items will be phased out nationwide, but since most of KFC’s restaurants are franchises, the removal of menu items will be completed in the coming months. So if you’re a fan of KFC’s chocolate chip cookies, wings, popcorn chicken or Nashville hot sauce, there may still be time to satisfy that craving one last time, while supplies last.