KFC is set to unveil a new dining concept named “Saucy” on December 20, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. It will be the first of its kind nationwide.
The location is off of Alafaya Drive near Curry Ford. We were able to take some photos recently to give a sneak peek at the new digs.
This venture is described as a “flavor-forward dining destination” focusing on chicken tenders paired with an assortment of 11 sauces, echoing KFC’s iconic Original Recipe’s 11 herbs and spices.
The sauce lineup includes distinctive flavors like Chimichurri Ranch, Peri Peri Ranch, Jalapeño Pesto Ranch, Smokey Bacon Ranch, Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy, Sweet ‘N Saucy BBQ, Saucy’s Sauce, Spicy Mango Chutney, Saucy Ranch, Creole Honey Mustard, and Sweet Teriyaki.
Christophe Poirier, KFC’s chief new concept officer, emphasized the contemporary trend of sauce obsession, suggesting that “more is more” in the context of enhancing flavor experiences.
Saucy aims to leverage the popularity of chicken tenders, which have seen significant consumer interest, as noted by the success of brands like Raising Cane’s and the demand for McDonald’s Snack Wrap.
Poirier described tenders as one of KFC’s “menu giants,” explaining that Saucy represents a modern twist on KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good” by amplifying this beloved product with an extensive sauce selection.
Customers at Saucy can customize their meals by choosing sauces either individually or in flights, with tenders prepared fresh in small batches.
The menu extends beyond tenders to include items like the EZ Crispy Sandwich and Spicy Queso Crunch Sandwich, alongside combos starting at $7.99 for three pieces of tenders with sides.
The concept’s design and operations diverge from typical KFC aesthetics with a distinctive pink color scheme, digital ordering kiosks, and live entertainment, including “Saucy Soirées” on Fridays. This setup not only serves food but aims to be a social hub, addressing the post-COVID shift where younger demographics seek spaces for both function and social interaction.
Behind the scenes, Saucy employs advanced technology for operational efficiency, with data-driven algorithms to keep food hot and fresh while minimizing wait times. The Saucy app further personalizes the customer experience with 20 points of customization.
KFC’s strategy with Saucy involves a slow scale-up, focusing on refining the dining and operational aspects, fully backed by Yum Brands as a 100% equity concept. This approach allows for learning and adapting based on customer and team feedback, aiming for a polished concept that can be expanded further. This move reflects KFC’s commitment to innovation amidst challenging economic conditions, pushing the boundaries of their traditional offerings with a fresh, engaging format.
More to come…
