KFC is bringing a different flavor to the table, 11 flavors in fact, with its new concept, “Saucy.” The restaurant opened in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, Dec. 23.
While KFC, known for its fried chicken, is behind this new location, “Saucy” is all about chicken tenders and the sauces that come with them.
Customers can order the sauces individually or on a flight of four. There are 11 sauces to choose from, a nod to the 11 herbs and spices in “KFC’s Original Recipe.”
Some of the flavors are smokey bacon ranch, spicy mango chutney, sweet teriyaki, creole honey mustard and Saucy’s sauce. According to KFC, there seem to be over 4,000 different ways to order.
Beyond the sauces and tenders, Saucy offers sandwiches like the spicy queso crunch, desserts like the chocolate mousse cake and beverages like a blue raspberry freeze.
KFC said the restaurant’s design is meant to “delight the boldest generations of diners” by giving them a “tech-forward customer experience.” Customers can order their meals at kiosks. They’re also encouraged to hang out and enjoy live entertainment at the restaurant.
KFC chose Orlando due to its diverse demographic, according to officials. They said more “Saucy” restaurants are on the way. KFC’s “Saucy” joins legacy fast food chains creating innovative concepts.
McDonald’s has opened several of its “CosMc’s” restaurants across the country. This small-format brand’s bread and butter is beverages, though like “Saucy,” it also offers a spicy queso sandwich, among other items.
Taco Bell chose to focus on speed of delivery and drive-thru efficiency with its “Defy” concept. Burger King opened a similar concept with its “Sizzle” locations.
With an industry that generated nearly $400 billion in revenue in 2023, fast food companies are looking to find new ways to make that number grow bigger and bigger, whether it be with new restaurant designs, new drive-thru layouts or a bunch of new sauces.
