KFC is promoting its new sauce through a Tinder promotion in which users get the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to a Jack Harlow concert
KFC is turning up the heat literally and figuratively with its new menu offering. The chain today announced the addition of Buffalo Ranch to its sauce roster and is promoting the item through a partnership with the online dating site Tinder.
The promotion includes a limited-time “Tinder Tenders” meal, created for two and including six Extra Crispy tenders, two sides, two biscuits, two beverages and the brand’s new sauce. The point of this collaboration? “To help saucy singles find the buffalo to their ranch,” according to the company.
“The internet has already called buffalo sauce and ranch one of the best combinations ever made, so we've combined spicy and cool into perfect Buffalo Ranch harmony," CMO Nick Chavez said in a statement. "With the matchmaking magic at Tinder, we're hoping to help some sauce-loving singles find the buffalo to their ranch."
Starting Oct. 21, Tinder members can take a quiz in the app testing their love and knowledge of buffalo ranch. Taking the quiz will provide those Tinder members the chance to win tickets, backstage passes and an all-expenses-paid trip to an upcoming Jack Harlow concert. KFC and fellow Louisville native/ Harlow first announced their collaboration last December and have since introduced a Jack Harlow Meal, packaging and merchandise.
The promotion may bring more users into KFC’s digital channels, as the brand offers the limited-time Tinder Tenders meal for two exclusively on its app or KFC.com. Digital sales have been a bright spot for the brand since the launch of its native ecommerce website and app last year. The company previously used a third-party solution. The partnership may also generate new customers by tapping into Tinder’s vast membership base. The company claims the Tinder app has been downloaded more than 530 times and led to more than 75 billion matches.
"This is such a fun way to spice up the modern dating experience," said Stephanie Danzi, Tinder’s SVP of Global Marketing, a statement. "We know our members are connecting over food – being a 'foodie' is one of the top Interests they add to their profiles. So we love partnering up with KFC to add more to the mix and give daters a chance at an epic first date."
Buffalo Ranch is now available as a permanent offering on KFC’s menu, joining BBQ, Ranch Honey Mustard and the brand’s KFC Sauce, all of which were initially introduced in late 2020. The lineup meets an increasing consumer demand for sauces and condiments as cross-cultural flavors influence palates.
KFC could use a little momentum. KFC U.S. system sales declined 6% in Q2 2022 and are down about 2% so far this year, lapping a strong 2021 fueled by stimulus checks and a popular new chicken sandwich launch. The chain is also navigating an executive exodus. KFC’s chief operating officer, chief financial officer and national field operations officer all announced their retirement next month, according to the Wall Street Journal. In May, former president Kevin Hochman announced he was leaving to join Brinker International as its CEO. Last year, KFC’s CMO Andrea Zahumensky departed the company and was replaced by Chavez in October 2021.
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