McDonald’s had no sooner put a bun on its plot to overthrow its chicken-driven competition than Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) responded. The Colonel’s counter offensive is a one-two punch of wraps available immediately nationwide – one directed at younger diners who can bolster some demographic growth for the chain.
And the younger crowd is important to the company. In an interview, KFC Chief Marketing Officer Nick Chavez noted that the new wraps are an integral piece of the company’s wide-ranging strategy to expand its customer base. Just a year ago, it partnered with young American rapper Jack Harlow to kickstart its foray into that segment.
While McDonald’s latest chicken push doesn’t include a wrap, it’s not like its fans didn’t try. During covid, some McDonald’s chicken wrap fans took to Change.org to try and coax the company to bring back the item which has been mothballed since 2016. However, the effort probably didn’t move the needle enough to get company brass to sit up and take notice – only 16,955 signed the petition in two years.
Get it while it’s hot – and cheap!
To celebrate their release, those looking for a meal on the go or a deal can enjoy two KFC wraps for just $5. The company’s announcement didn’t say how long the new items will be available, other than to say for a “limited time.”
Trying to find a twist that gives it some uniqueness over McDonald’s, Popeye’s, and Chick-fil-A, but doesn’t put it crossways against its Yum! Brands sister Taco Bell, KFC’s new wraps come with two options.
One is a Classic Chicken Wrap – a hand-breaded Extra Crispy Tender, crunchy pickles and creamy mayo, wrapped up in a warm tortilla – and the other is a Spicy Slaw Chicken Wrap which embodies an Extra Crispy Tender in a flavorful mix of KFC coleslaw, spicy sauce and crispy pickles.