The Journal. KFC Got Fried in the Chicken Wars. Can It Come Back?
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Nov 21, 2025 
Heather Haddon, a restaurant-industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the struggles of KFC, a once-iconic fast-food leader now facing fierce competition. She shares insights on KFC's origins and its rapid growth, along with the rise of competitors like Chick-fil-A. Haddon highlights KFC's misstep in ignoring the boneless chicken trend and discusses Yum Brands' strategic shifts to revive the brand, including edgier marketing and nostalgic offerings. Early signs of recovery are emerging as KFC adapts to changing consumer tastes.
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Origins Of The Bucket Meal
- Harlan Sanders started KFC at a Kentucky gas station and perfected an 11-herb-and-spice recipe using a pressure cooker.
- His franchising led to the iconic buckets that turned KFC into a nationwide family meal staple.
Global Strength, U.S. Weakness
- The global appetite for fried chicken helped KFC expand to 150 countries and thrive internationally.
- But U.S. consumer habits shifted toward portable boneless options, weakening KFC's bone-in bucket advantage.
Rise Of Boneless Competitors
- Chick-fil-A focused on boneless sandwiches and tender hospitality, triggering a boom in boneless chicken chains.
- Competitors like Raising Cane's and Dave's Hot Chicken capitalized on this demand for sandwiches and strips.