LOUISVILLE, KY - Beyond Meat® has been leading the plant-based pack after it went public in April of this year. Since then, the company has seen its stock prices soar in conjunction with its recent partnerships with popular fast food restaurant chains and meal kit companies. Kentucky Fried Chicken® (KFC) is the latest company to team up with Beyond Meat to test the plant-based waters, this time with Beyond Fried Chicken™—a plant-based chicken that is the first-of-its-kind in the quick service restaurant (QSR) space.
"KFC is an iconic part of American culture and a brand that I, like so many consumers, grew up with. To be able to bring Beyond Fried Chicken, in all of its KFC-inspired deliciousness to market, speaks to our collective ability to meet the consumer where they are and accompany them on their journey,” commented Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat. “My only regret is not being able to see the legendary Colonel himself enjoy this important moment.”
KFC has been mulling over the idea of testing plant-based products since May, but it seems like it is now ready to take the plunge. According to a press release, the restaurant chain will introduce Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta, Georgia, to start. The plant-based chicken will be served at the Cobb Parkway restaurant in Atlanta, and curious consumers can receive a complimentary sample of Beyond Fried Chicken from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm on August 27, with purchase of any KFC menu item, while supplies last. Customers who wish to go all in on the new menu option can opt for Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets or boneless wings.
"KFC Beyond Fried Chicken is so delicious, our customers will find it difficult to tell that it's plant-based," said Kevin Hochman, President and Chief Concept Officer for KFC U.S. "I think we've all heard 'it tastes like chicken'—well our customers are going to be amazed and say, 'it tastes like Kentucky Fried Chicken!'"
Will a positive response encourage KFC to roll out its Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide? And who will be the next restaurant chain to bolster is menu and sales with more of Beyond Meat’s plant-based products? AndNowUKnow will report.
