KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus | CNN Business (2024)

New York CNN

Kentucky Fried Chicken is bringing back a legend after a nearly a decade.

The “KFC Double Down” is coming back for a limited time, as of March 6. The instantly recognizable creation replaces the bread that’s found in a typical sandwich and uses two fried chicken filets as the bun. In between are two slices of cheese, bacon and a choice of mayo or spice sauce.

The Double Down made its debut in 2010 and sold more than 10 million sandwiches. Despite that, the chain said back then that sales of the sandwich were “immaterial” and analysts said the Double Down sales were below expectations. But the Double Down “generated more buzz than any test market item in KFC history,” it said.

KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus | CNN Business (1)

KFC's Double Down returns on March 6.

It reappeared in 2014 for a brief time before disappearing from the chain’s menus. But KFC said fans have been “clamoring for the return” of the sandwich, so the chain is “answering the call” by bringing it back.

Next week KFC will also be adding a more traditional offering for customers “who aren’t so sure about embracing the ‘no bun’ life.” It’s a bacon and cheese chicken sandwich that uses a brioche bun.

These additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions.

KFC, owned by Yum Brands, is constantly in competition with its rivals to appeal to fast-food eaters. Recently, Chick-fil-A started testing its first-ever plant-based sandwich, which swaps out chicken for cauliflower. And McDonald’s recently renamed its existing line of Crispy Chicken Sandwiches as the McCrispy.

KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus | CNN Business (2024)

FAQs

KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus | CNN Business? ›

Kentucky Fried Chicken is bringing back a legend after a nearly a decade. The “KFC Double Down” is coming back for a limited time, as of March 6. The instantly recognizable creation replaces the bread that's found in a typical sandwich and uses two fried chicken filets as the bun.

Is KFC bringing back fan favorites? ›

We're bringing back our fan-favorite Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps, at the same finger lickin' good deal of two craveable wraps for just $5. What's more exciting? We've added a new KFC Mac & Cheese Wrap to the lineup.

What food is KFC bringing back? ›

–Kentucky Fried Chicken® is bringing big flavor and a boost of joy this January by introducing two brand-new varieties of its popular two-for-$5 KFC Wraps lineup – Honey BBQ and Spicy Mac & Cheese.

What is the KFC double down with return of fan favorite menu item? ›

One supposedly 'gimmick' product recently brought back to the menu for a limited time was the Double Down sandwich, which returned from KFC's menu back in 2014. The sandwich had made a viral debut and perhaps KFC was hopeful the return of the controversial sandwich would create a stir amongst its customers again.

Is KFC still successful? ›

KFC is one of the world's largest restaurant chains, with more than 29,000 locations and a new outlet opening every three and a half hours, according to Yum! Brands . But while much of the brand's early success came from the U.S., today the majority of its growth is in China.

What is KFC discontinuing? ›

Yahoo Finance reports, the soon-to-be discontinued items include Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, Popcorn Chicken Combo, Nashville Hot Sauce, Strawberry Lemonade, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Why does KFC only follow 11? ›

Their recipe uses 11 herbs and spices, so that's exactly who they follow on Twitter. Don't believe us? Well, the 11 people KFC follows on Twitter are: the five former members of the pop group The Spice Girls, and six men named Herb.

Is KFC going meatless? ›

In January 2022, KFC's Beyond Meat nuggets, made from soy and wheat protein, went nationwide at more than 4,000 locations. Public opinion of the meat-free option was divided; some customers were firmly in favor of them, while others found them to be much denser and more expensive than conventional chicken.

What 5 popular menu items is KFC getting rid of? ›

A Louisville-based chain spokeswoman said it is experiencing a “menu simplification,” which entails removing certain items from its eateries. Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, Popcorn Chicken Combo, Nashville Hot Sauce, Strawberry Lemonade, and Chocolate Chip Cookies will be withdrawn, according to Yahoo Finance.

Is popcorn chicken gone from KFC? ›

In an effort to add new items to menus, the fast food chain is removing five items that have become mainstays — Kentucky fried chicken wings, Nashville hot sauce, strawberry lemonade, chocolate chip cookies and popcorn chicken, according to USA Today.

Is there a secret menu at KFC? ›

The Triple Stacker Burger, the Zinger Chipster, and the Fave Crave box have been 'secretly' made available to customers. The menu is only visible on the KFC app - and the food chain has altered the way you can access it.

Why did KFC remove double down burgers? ›

KFC announced that they would be removing the double down from their menu due to poor sales. The item was first introduced in 2016 as a way to try and compete with rival restaurant, McDonald's.

Does Pepsi own KFC? ›

PepsiCo fast food division

Reynolds sold KFC to PepsiCo to pay off debt from its recent purchase of Nabisco. In 1990, Hot 'n Now was acquired via Taco Bell from William Van Domelen, but the company was sold in 1996. In 1992, PepsiCo acquired California Pizza Kitchen.

Is KFC more successful than McDonald's? ›

KFC's brand is ranked #130 in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of KFC. Their current valuation is $32.95B. McDonald's's brand is ranked #85 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of McDonald's. Their current valuation is $167.91B.

Is KFC leaving China? ›

Kentucky-fried chicken wings are once again winning Chinese hearts and yen. KFC sales in China bounced back in 2023, growing an “impressive” 20%, the chief executive of its parent company Yum!

Who is the biggest KFC fan? ›

We all love Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) but have we ever proved our love as much as the FIRST KFC Super Fan? This UK man Kamlesh Mistry went as far as trying out more than 50 KFC restaurants around the world when travelling with his family and friends!

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