KFC’s New ‘Saucy’ Restaurant Offers Sauce Flights, Fruity Drinks

KFC is taking a bold step into a totally new arena in a bid to potentially appeal to a younger consumer demographic.

Launching a prototype store in Orlando, Florida, the red-black-and-white brand is set to whittle its menu down while offering some completely novel desserts and an array of sweet and colorful drinks, as CNN reported.

KFC’s Saucy Prototype Store Could Be a First Next Step Toward Modernization

The store opening up in Orlando, called Saucy, is notably devoid of most traditional KFC markings, being presented in an eclectic mix of bright neon pinks alongside traditional woodgrain patterns. The Saucy logo is offered up in something of a Willy Wonka-esque font, with “by KFC” tacked on in much smaller letters below.

As far as the star of the show in terms of menu items, chicken tenders are said to reign supreme. According to CNN, tenders have been shown to grow in popularity across the broader restaurant sector, and the customizable nature of chicken tenders — primarily due to a variety of sauce options — is also key to the new restaurant’s game plan.

R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, spoke to the centrality of sauces to Saucy’s success.

“By expanding its sauce options, KFC can maintain a streamlined menu similar to its competitors while offering customers the ability to personalize their orders to match their taste preferences,” Hottovy said.

SAUCY: KFC is launching a prototype restaurant, centered around 11 new dips and chicken tenders, with lots and lots of sauces. The idea was to modernize the “finger-lickin' good” slogan and focus on one of its most “iconic products.” https://t.co/xiUJoGLGsy

— Local 3 News (@Local3News) December 18, 2024

KFC’s Saucy To Offer Sauce Flights and a Streamlined Ordering System

Another unique thing about Saucy is that counter orders will be a thing of the past. Cashiers will not be there to take cash, credit, or debit — instead, all inside orders will be placed via kiosk. Drive-thru orders and service will also be available, as will in-app ordering.

Those who do endeavor to give Saucy a try will perhaps be delighted by the prototype’s sauce flights, a selection of four different sauces that can be added to your order to give it that sweet, salty, savory, or spicy kick you’re after. Paying homage to KFC’s iconic blend of 11 herbs and spices, the equivalent number of sauces will be available to diners when the restaurant begins operation.

Chimichurri Ranch, Creole Honey Mustard, Jalapeño Pesto Ranch, Peri Peri Ranch, Saucy Ranch, Saucy’s Sauce, Smokey Bacon Ranch, Spicy Mango Chutney, Sweet ‘N Saucy BBQ, Sweet Teriyaki, and Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy will be the mainstays of the sauce menu at launch, according to Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN), though more may be added at a later date.

“Everyone is obsessed with sauce — more is more,” said KFC’s chief new concept officer, Christophe Poirier, per NRN. “With Saucy, we’ve taken KFC’s famous Original Recipe and amplified it with a brand-new concept that lets consumers play with flavor.”

Saucy by KFC is set to open its doors on Friday, Dec. 20.