Fast food is a flourishing market in India. KFC, Dominos, and Pizza Hut are all well-established, but a new competitor’s arrival might pose a direct threat to KFC. The competitor for red is orange, and that is Popeye’s.
KFC: a love story of flavour and emotion
Every bite gives you, a burst of emotions. The moment we stand
in line waiting eagerly for our turn to order and get that bucket. Bucket! Ah,
KFC has been with us for over two decades, serving us with buckets filled with
joy. I still remember the time when my dad bought me this bucket. It was red
and white with a face smiling brightly. Later got to know it was Colonel
Sanders.
KFC in India
The bucket culture got attached to the new Indian Gen Z. They initially had a few problems when they started their first KFC outlet in Bangalore back in 1995. They captured the capital of India; with a single outlet. But still, KFC left India only to come back with a bang and conquer the entire subcontinent.
Now, according to recent reports, KFC has over 790+ outlets
in 237 cities still growing more and has grabbed and captured the taste buds of
fried chicken lovers. It is going great for KFC, but there is a minor issue. Kentucky Fried Chicken has a competitor from Louisiana.
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Arrival of Popeye’s
Popeye's originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, and they
strategically established their headquarters in Miami. They are following the
same tactics as KFC by capturing the south first. The large meat-eating
population in the south might be a reason. Popeye’s started its first branch
in Bangalore partnering with Jubilant Food Works. They are planning to extend
their reach all over the country. In the next five years, there might be over
250 stores across India.
Chennai with Popeye’s
Chennai has this beautiful young crowd trying out global cuisines. And the recent industrial developments around the city are welcoming all new chains of restaurants to flourish. People from all around the country are pouring in for studies and work. This young crowd has been a significant benefit for this new fried chicken chain to thrive in the city. Their first outlet in Phoenix Mall has become a tremendous success.
What’s so special about Popeye’s?
People find this chicken different from what KFC has done in
the past years. We know Indian foods for their rich spices, flavors, and aromas.
But KFC broke this idea and proved even American fast food can survive and
overtake this rich land of spices with just bland fried crust. But now Popeye’s
introduced that spicy genre to the fast food family. This might be a bigger
threat to their competitor, KFC.
In the past few years, we could see how all big fast food giants trying to adapt
to the taste buds of Indians. Maybe introducing biryani, tandoori, etc. would
not satisfy their customers anymore.
But Popeye’s are still in its initial phase of
establishment; only popular among the elite class, living in the city.
In this war for buckets and sandwiches, who is going to win? That would be a
bigger question to answer in the coming years.
KFC Vs Popeye’s Vs Us
Whatever it is, the winner would be the food industry, but not our gut. All practicing doctors recommend a mixed diet for better health. Having fast food once a month is tolerable, but not regularly. Recent studies show cardiac arrests among young people are increasing and fast foods might be one of the major reasons. So the final decision is up to us to make; guts to challenge our gut?
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