Ben Williams
There’s something brewing at KFC, but it’s not what you might expect.
The fried chicken favourite has been quietly experimenting with something that’s got nothing to do with buckets or boneless banquets. In fact, this new venture might just shake up what we think we know about the fast food giant altogether.
For years, KFC has been all about crunch and coating, but its latest project has flipped the focus entirely. After testing the waters earlier this year, the brand has taken the plunge with a brand-new concept that’s less about chicken and more about what’s in your cup.
Meet Kwench: KFC’s drinks-led spin-off designed with the goal of quenching the thirst of Gen Z.
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The first Kwench site has opened on Lord Street in Liverpool city centre, marking what KFC is calling a ‘world first’ for the brand.
The two-storey site includes 100 covers, with the first floor given over to a standalone Kwench bar.
If the name didn’t give it away, it’s all about beverages here. The menu is stacked with colourful creations that scream shareability, from bubble teas and lemonades to indulgent shakes and iced coffees.
Among the lineup are the Caramel Krunch Shake, Chocolate Krunch Shake, and Coconut Mango Shake, alongside Iced Koffee Krunch options in Iced Caramel, Iced Mocha, and Iced Latte. For those after something more refreshing, there’s a sparkling raspberry, hot honey mango lemonade, and the eye-catching Cherry Poppin’ and Watermelon Poppin’ Refreshers.
Launched earlier this year, the Kwench brand has been developed specifically to appeal to Gen Z, who KFC says value drink choice when deciding where to eat.
Speaking at the brand’s launch in Manchester back in January, Dhiren Karnani, strategy and innovation director at KFC UK & Ireland, reported by Restaurant Online, said: “Kwench by KFC [is] a freshly prepared drinks range designed to cater to every craving, from refreshing pick-me-ups to indulgent shakes. Packed with craveable, visually stunning flavours, this launch is set to solidify KFC as the ultimate destination for Gen Z.”
It’s a bold move that follows in the footsteps of other major fast-food players. McDonald’s took a similar leap in the US with its short-lived CosMc’s brand, which focused on drinks and snacks rather than burgers and fries. Despite early buzz, McDonald’s eventually folded the concept, merging some of the drinks into its main menu.
Still, with the rising popularity of matcha, bubble tea, and all things Instagrammable, KFC seems determined to make Kwench a hit. The timing couldn’t be better, as a PwC report recently found that young consumers are splurging on what it calls ‘affordable affluence’, treating themselves to small luxuries like premium drinks.