KFC Takes a Shot at Wendy’s with Free Chicken Strips

In a competitive swipe against Wendy’s, KFC is promoting free samples of its signature Crispy Strip today at participating restaurants.

KFC customers who make a purchase will receive the free chicken with their order, while supplies last. About 5,500 restaurants are expected to participate.

The giveaway comes on the heels of news that a competitor, Wendy’s, removed a similar product from its menu.

Wendy’s in December removed its Homestyle Chicken Strips from its menu to make room for additional offerings, spokesperson Bob Bertini said. In its place, the chain is offering new items, including a Chicken Club sandwich, and soon a Four Alarm Spicy Chicken sandwich, he said.

“We only can have so many items on our menu,” Bertini said.

KFC, in turn, is taking the opportunity to boost its signature product via a sampling blitz. The goal behind the giveaway is to drive trial of Crispy Strips, which have been a permanent menu item since 1995.

The company ran an ad last week in USA Today promoting the offer. Online materials and in-store fliers also support the promotion.

“There is a bit of a void with one less player in chicken strips business,” said KFC spokesman Rick Maynard. “We’re doing our part to make sure those customers don’t have to go without Chicken Strips.”

KFC handles the promotion in-house.

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