KFC is bringing back Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings nationwide starting next Monday. The two fan favorites, off the chicken chain’s menu for several years, are returning as limited-time offers while supplies last.
Potato Wedges were discontinued in 2020, but the Louisville, Kentucky, fast-food brand reported that since then, the call for their return garnered thousands of social media comments and online petition signatures.
KFC introduced Hot & Spicy Wings just about two years ago, timed to launch with the start of football season. The wings get their heat from a fiery marinade and are then double-coated in KFC’s extra-crispy breading. The potato and wing duo offers a generous helping of craveable crunch and bold flavor.
“Wedge-lovers, we heard you—and we agree it's been five long years without wedges. But the wait is over,” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president, KFC U.S., in a statement. “This isn't just a nostalgic nod. It's an example of how we're turning feedback into action as we chart our Kentucky Fried Comeback, a bold, brand-wide rally to give people more reasons to fall in love with us all over again.”
The Yum Brands chicken chain is in urgent need of that Kentucky Fried Comeback. Same store sales fell 5% last quarter, the eighth straight period in which that number has been either flat or down. Paying more attention to the menu is a key strategy in reversing that slide, as KFC, one of the original chicken concepts, faces increasing competition from rivals Popeyes and Chick-fil-A as well as newer players like Raising Cane’s, Wingstop and Dave’s Hot Chicken.
That strategy comes through loud and clear with this statement in the news release announcing the LTOs: “As KFC continues its comeback era and fights back to icon status, it asks its fans to continue to share thoughts and feedback on what they'd like to see from the brand moving forward (wedges, heard!)”
KFC is offering several combo meals and deals to promote the return of wedges and wings. There’s a new six-piece wings and wedges combo that comes with a medium drink; prices vary by location. Larger groups can score a $20 Wings & Wedges Fan Favorites Box that includes 10 Hot & Spicy Wings, 12 Chicken Nuggets, Potato Wedges, four biscuits and four dipping sauces.
Starting Sept. 4, once football season gets into full swing, digital customers can order a game-day special of 20 Hot & Spicy Wings and four sauces for $20. And KFC’s $10 Tuesdays deal continues, with a choice of eight pieces of classic fried chicken or eight chicken tenders for $10.
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