Chicken wars: KFC vs. El Pollo Loco
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In this high-stakes game of chicken, you get the free food.
KFC, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is giving away a free piece of its new grilled chicken today to customers who stop by its fast-food emporiums, formerly the temples of all things fried. It’s not certain which part of the grilled chicken you’ll be getting -- according to the small print on the company site, ‘selection is at manager’s choice.’ It also says,’one free piece per person,’ but unless they take a branding iron to you, it seems you could just go toanother KFC in the neighborhood to have seconds.
Meanwhile, El Pollo Loco is striking back. It has unleashed commercials featuring Chief Executive Steve Carley making fun of the new KFC items, pointing out that they are cooked in ovens and not on grills over open flames (someone should point out to Carley that his fondness for air-quote gestures is a bit dated). To up the ante on free items, El Pollo Loco Tuesdayis giving away to each customer two pieces of chicken (leg and thigh), plus two tortillas and salsa. The fine print says you ‘must request’ the free offer, and it’s in effect until 8 p.m. ‘while supplies last.’
-- David Colker
