One of the fan favourite restaurants, KFC, is making changes to its menu. These two changes had many people asking questions and wondering what the reason behind it was. Some people are for this change, and others are against this change. Many stores have been trying to remain relevant, and this is just the restaurant’s way to give consumers what they are asking.
Two changes to KFC’s menu
KFC is betting big on nostalgia and value by announcing the nationwide return of cult-favorite Original Honey BBQ sauce and reintroducing the KFC Chicken Sandwich at a ‘90s-era price. It is important to note that these changes are set to target consumer demand. These changes are coming during mounting competition and slowing sales across the United States fast food industry.
In addition, there are more than 4,000 KFC restaurants across the United States, which is creating a store that is one of the most popular fast-food chains in America. However, it has been stated that the chicken giant’s 2025 performance has been a tale of two markets. From an international perspective, KFC has expanded significantly.
This fan favourite restaurant has been opening hundreds of new stores and driving digital sales to record levels. However, in the United States, the chain is under a lot of pressure and is severely struggling. Same-store sales have decreased by 5 percent in the second quarter.
This forced KFC down to fifth place between chicken chains as rivals like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop gained ground. Consumer ratings remain lackluster as sever incidents have dented the chain’s reputation. Some of these incidents are the safety scandals in Europe, as well as animal welfare protests in the United Kingdom.
The reason for these changes
The chain’s decision to revive retired favorites is in direct response to the “obsessive demand” voiced by consumers across social media and petitions. This was confirmed by the restaurant when the fast-food giant announced the return of potato wedges last month.
In addition, the recent menu item to return is the Original Honey BBQ sauce. This sauce will be part of the Original Honey BBQ Combo: which include two pieces of Extra Crispy fried chicken that is dipped in Original Honey BBQ sauce, plus a side, a biscuit, and a medium beverage.
Also, something else that is being added to the menu is a new price for the KFC Chicken Sandwich. This product will be offered at the “throwback” price of $3.99. According to a company press release, this is a move not seen since the 1990s. The famous fried chicken purveyor claims its sandwich is bigger than leading competitors’ based on the 2025 product weights.
Feedback from the public
According to the President of KFC United States, Catherine Tan-Gillespie, “KFC’s Original Honey BBQ wasn’t just a menu offering, it became a cultural touchstone that fans have been craving and asking us to bring back for years. What better way to continue our KFC comeback than to bring back this legendary flavor and reintroduce it in a bigger and bolder way — on everything.”
One of the finance experts and founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, Michael Ryan, also made a statement. He said that he does not think that this change is about the menu innovation. He alluded to the fact that KFC might be watching McDonald’s, Popeyes, and even how grocery store rotisseries may eat their lunch. He concluded by saying that “KFC is essentially admitting their core offering isn’t compelling enough anymore.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 9i Capital Group, Kevin Thompson, who is also the host of the 9innings podcast spoke to NewsWeek. He stated that KFC knows that some consumers are becoming more price conscious due the pressure that comes with the continuous tariff increases. He stated that “This is a nod to rising prices and a way to attract customers who have less discretionary income to spend.” It has been stated that the menu relaunch and promotional pricing will be available for a limited time, which is starting from October 6, 2025.