Operations

Kentucky Roast Beef? When KFC was in the concept creation game

Restaurant Rewind: Saucy isn’t the first time that the fast-food chicken chain created new brands. This podcast episode features a look at some of the restaurants KFC created.

Editor's note: This will be the final episode of the Restaurant Rewind podcast. Thank you for listening.

KFC recently opened Saucy, a chicken fingers concept that aims to compete directly with the fast-growing Raising Cane’s.

But this isn’t the first time the fast-food chicken concept has created a new brand to compete with a quick-growing rival, and in this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rewind podcast, Peter Romeo looks at some of those brands. 

For instance, did you know that it once tried Kentucky Roast Beef? Or The Colonel’s Kitchen? Or The Colonel’s Lady Dinner House? 

None of the concepts amounted to much, but at least one restaurant from this era remains in operation. Yet they provide some interesting lessons as KFC embarks on its latest quest for a new concept. 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Technology

AI is coming for chefs. They say, 'Bring it on'

Tech Check: A growing number of consumer devices claim to be able to replicate the work of a chef. Chefs aren't worried. In fact, they're interested.

Financing

Assessing the mixed track record of the owner of Panera Bread

The Bottom Line: JAB Holdings gobbled up several mostly breakfast and coffee chains from 2012 through 2017. A few of its acquisitions have performed well, but others have stagnated, including the biggest.

Marketing

3 unconventional ways of touting value

Reality Check: Discounting isn't the only way of offering a head-turning bargain. Here are some alternatives that operators as diverse as Disney and the CineMark theater chain are trying.

Trending

More from our partners