Oprah Winfrey KFC Coupons: Will the Oprah Connection Help Revitalize KFC?

One can assume that the head honchos at Kentucky Fried Chicken were delighted when Oprah Winfrey agreed to promote KFC grilled chicken coupons to the public - for it seems that everything the mighty Oprah endorses turns to gold. The Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons will be available today until 11:59 p.m. CDT. The promotion includes two free pieces of KFC's new grilled chicken, two sides and a biscuit. Coupons will be redeemable at participating KFC branches until May 19.

Oprah Winfrey KFC Coupons: Introducing Consumers to a More Healthful Option

The Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons are for grilled chicken, not the iconic fried chicken that KFC is known for. And while the grilled chicken option is no doubt more healthful than KFC's classic fried chicken, it remains to be seen whether it will be embraced by the public with the same degree of loyalty that classic KFC fried chicken has inspired throughout the years. (The KFC site nearly crashed yesterday because so many people tried to download Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons - so that's a good start.)

Oprah Winfrey KFC Coupons: Will KFC Customers Embrace Grilled Chicken?

But it may not be that easy for people to embrace grilled chicken at Kentucky Fried Chicken. After all, this is a brand that is highly valued by loyal customers. And KFC places enormous value on its fried chicken recipe of 11 herbs and spices as well. The recipe is so valuable, in fact, that the company has kept it under lock and key for many years. Literally. Back in February, KFC's secret handwritten recipe of 11 herbs and spices was placed in a new hi-tech vault, which is fortified with motion detectors and a security camera.

Oprah Winfrey KFC Coupons: Will the Oprah Connection Revitalize KFC?

Still, KFC has been experiencing a decline is sales as of late, and so the company - which is owned by Yum Brands, Inc - is doing all it can to keep KFC profitable. Introducing more healthful fare is one part of their strategy. And now Oprah Winfrey's endorsement can be seen as another.

The massive response to the promotion may be the start of something big for KFC and its new grilled chicken product. The Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons may help elevate KFC grilled chicken to lofty heights. Or - and this is something I'm certain KFC executives do not want to hear - the huge response to the Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons may just mean that, in this cratering economy, people will jump at any chance to get a free meal.

Sources:

Unthink What You Thought About KFC, unthinkfc.com

KFC Secret Recipe in New Hi-Tech Vaul, Hartley Engel, Associated Content, February 10, 2009