KFC runs out of chicken, teaches masterclass in PR crisis management

The popular food chain was forced to close hundreds of its UK stores this week following a problem with its chicken supplier. KFC explained the situation via tweeter: “To put it simply, we’ve got the chicken, we’ve got the restaurants, but we’ve just had issues getting them together.” KFC took out entire pages on the Sun and the Metro to apologize to their customers. The bold and cheeky ad featured an empty bucket of chicken on a red background. But the “KFC” logo was replaced with “FCK”, followed by an apology to their customers. The advert read: “A chicken restaurant without any chicken. It’s not ideal.” KFC’s use of humour to combat the crisis is evident in their twitter posts.

There's gossip in the hen house, here's the facts... pic.twitter.com/lEuyiOZx2h

— KFC UK & Ireland (@KFC_UKI) February 21, 2018

The ploy was a hit on social media and the consumers seem to have loved it. People have been sharing the ad and showing their approval. The Sun reported some of the fan reactions: Ashley Halliday wrote on Twitter: "Apology totally accepted @KFCUKI - Saying sorry means a lot in life." Twitter user Miss Chibs said: "Possibly the best apology ad ever #lovingit #kfc." Peter Storr tweeted: "Not a fan of KFC generally, but got to love their apology."

KFC apologises with a full page ad in today's Metro. A masterclass in PR crisis management.#KFCCrisis pic.twitter.com/ZF4SfAuHl5

— Andrew Bloch (@AndrewBloch) February 23, 2018

The fast-food giant’s UK braches blamed the chicken shortage on problems with delivery firm DHL. The delivery company was struggling with supplying 900 shops across the UK. KFC UK said: “The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants…” “We’ve brought a new delivery partner on board, but they’ve had a couple of teething problems – getting fresh chicken out to 900 restaurants across the country is pretty complex! “We won’t compromise on quality, so no deliveries has meant some of our restaurants are closed, and others are operating a limited menu, or shortened hours." The crisis has since been averted, as KFC has already opened 90% of the KFC UK restaurants again.