The fried chicken wars keep raging, despite the strenuous supply chain issues. People are still busy fighting about whose fried chicken bucket is better.
It’s safe to say that KFC and Popeyes are the two most popular fast-food chains offering fried chicken, but which is more popular with better fast food and secret ingredients?
KFC has a higher number of franchises, but it seems to have left its home (the U.S.) as Popeyes has more engagement and brand mentions in the U.S.
On the contrary, KFC has better influencer marketing and is minting money by offering vegan options (the new hot trend).
All in all, Popeyes gets away with its superior fried chicken.
We are answering all the questions regarding the faceoff between these two fast-food giants. Read on.
The Popularity War – KFC vs. Popeyes
Various factors impact the popularity of these giants, including the number of franchises around the globe, social media reach, sentiment, and more.
Here are some of the factors:
1. Franchises
KFC opened its first franchise in the U.S. in 1952. However, the first international franchise was launched in the U.K. in 1965; KFC took its sweet time to expand.
After the U.K., the expansion began throughout the Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Currently, over 25,000 franchises are operating in 145 countries around the globe.
On the other hand, Popeyes started its operations in 1972 in New Orleans. They started franchising by entering the Philippines in 2001, and since then, they have opened outlets in China, the U.K., Mexico, and South Asia. Popeyes currently has over 3400 franchises in the world.
When it comes down to the number of franchises, KFC takes a clear lead.
2. Social Media Reach and Mentions
Both these chains are headquartered in the United States, but KFC has three times more global reach than Popeyes. In particular, KFC has a 73.4% global reach, while Popeyes has only 26.6%.
These numbers make it clear that KFC has greater visibility in the global market. In addition, KFC has received mentions from business accounts, including those of influencers and celebrities.
3. Sentiments
Social media mentions can be neutral, positive, or negative, so it’s important to consider the public sentiment towards these two chains.
Popeyes has a positive sentiment of 21%, while KFC is 18%. This means that both of these fast food chains are loved by their loyal customers, but Popeyes has an edge.
Fried Chicken Faceoff
Finally, we arrive at the question baffling many of us.
Well-cooked fried chicken should have the perfect combination of crunch and spiciness, and if the breading starts falling, it’s a sin.
KFC’s fried chicken is a bit buttery, savory, and peppery, but the chicken feels stringy and greasy at times. The breading isn’t very crunchy either and starts coming off as you take a bite.
On the other hand, Popeyes has a salty crust with juicy and tender meat, and the best part is the breading — it doesn’t come off as you take a giant bite. In addition, every piece is savory, and the skin has the crispiest crunch.
In contrast to KFC, Popeyes does a much better job with its fried chicken.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, KFC has more popularity on a global scale, but Popeyes is doing better in the U.S. However, both brands are expanding to new markets, as KFC has started offering vegan food options while Popeyes is hitting the eastern markets.
So, seeing how these two fried chicken chains battle on international grounds will be fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Popeyes’ Chicken Taste Better?
Popeyes offers big chicken pieces, perfectly balanced with more juiciness, and the crust stays on. In addition, the chicken has a satisfying texture and doesn’t fill your mouth with oil when you take a bite.
Does KFC’s Chicken Taste Like Popeyes?
The taste is pretty different, as KFC uses eleven different spices and herbs that add a pop of flavor, while Popeyes uses Louisiana-style seasoning to offer a hot kick.
