Kfc In The PhilippinesKentucky Fried Chicken's catch phrase "Finger-lickin' good" has been firmly imbued in the minds of the fried chicken-loving Filipinos since is started its operation in the Philippines in 1967.In this island country where the staple food is rice and fish, a fried chicken is a special treat reserved for special occasions and a family weekend day out means going to church and eating at their favorite fast food restaurant. And since Filipinos love everything American, the amicable-looking old Colonel Sanders is a natural magnet. KFC Philippines is one of the country's leading and fast-growing food establishments with over 150 outlets across the nation. It is part of an International Group, the YUM! Brands Inc., U.S.A. based in Louisville. When it started its operation in the Philippines in 1967, it was managed by different franchisees. In 1994, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Corporation, under the leadership of Manuel U. Agustines, obtained the sole franchise rights over the sale and distribution of KFC products in the Philippines. It is undertaking a major expansion program in Metro Manila area and also in the major cities and provinces in the country to reach other potential areas for business.
At present, KFC is facing a stiff competition with other fast-food restaurant chain, from both international and homegrown brands but it has acquired for itself a consistent following through its unique and delectable menu that the Filipinos have come to love. Among the popular fare that the Filipinos have come to love are: Funshots (or the spicier Hotshots for the more adventurous), Mashed potato, Chicken Arroz Caldo, Zinger burger, Crispy Chicken Strips and its Chicken Bucket Meal, which is a favorite take-out order for the whole family. Bucket meal includes 8 pieces of chicken, 4 sidings (coleslaw or mashed potato), 4 rice packets and 4 regular sodas, placed in an attractive bucket that is reusable. Americans (and other foreign visitors) may find it absurd but, in the Philippines, fried chicken meals are always served with rice. In all KFC restaurants across the nation, gravy is served for free. One just has to go by the condiments area, look for the flask where it is placed (to keep it from getting cold) and he can fill his cup with warm and yummy gravy. KFC aims to claim a large customer base by targeting various cliques. It appeals to the kids by putting playpens where they can play and by offering KFC Kids Meal, which is basically a spaghetti or burger meal packaged with toys. Donut-lovers can have a fix of their favorite Mister Donut flavor in KFC outlets after its innovative tie-up with the company. For the more experimental, they have the spicy Zinger burger and Hotshots and for those who crave for rice porridge, a bowl of steaming arroz caldo is a perfect treat. |