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KFC’s Winning PR Stunt

Posted: March 28th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Cool Ideas | Tags: , , , , , | 4 Comments »

KFC has offered to fix all the potholes in 4 U.S. cities (with a KFC logo imprint on the patch).

This is a fantastic PR: the press coverage has been fantastic, everyone is talking about it. It address economic issues without being a downer. There is a definite overlap between sophisticated word of mouth marketing programs and a PR stunt.

Here is the letter they sent to mayors:

March 25, 2009

Dear Mayor:

It is estimated that U.S. roads are riddled with more than 350 million potholes nationwide – that’s one for every man, woman and child in America! Because of long, harsh winters and heavy traffic, cities everywhere are left with more potholes than ever. Add in the fact that asphalt is an expensive product, and the cost of those repairs is higher than ever.

Because of the financially tough times, many cities are delaying construction projects because they need to spend money patching these potholes instead. Some cities are even being forced to cut back on road services and maintenance crews. We at KFC understand that filling every one of these potholes is important and we’re here to help!

In honor of our “Fresh Tastes Best” campaign, we want to come and Re-”Fresh” your roads! The Colonel and his crew are on a mission to help out America and sponsor your city’s “Fresh”ly repaired roads. Every patched pothole comes with the Colonel’s very own stamp of approval.

KFC has been bringing communities together over buckets of chicken for more than 50 years. We invite you and your city to become a part of a new tradition and accept our offer to Re-”Fresh” your roads. Together, we can give your community a much needed break and help keep America moving.

Sincerely,

Roger Eaton
President of KFC

Well played KFC. Well played. I wonder if in the “tougher” economic times, if governments will be comfortable accepting funds from companies for these types of projects. What other ideas are there out there for companies looking to “help out”?

- Christian

4 Comments on “KFC’s Winning PR Stunt”

  1. 1 golublog said at 4:54 pm on March 28th, 2009:

    I like the idea, I’m not sure if it’s selling KFC for me.

  2. 2 Christian said at 2:20 pm on March 30th, 2009:

    @ golublog

    I think it’s a multi-stage process. The point isn’t to make you go out and buy KFC immediately. It’s to slowly change your perception of the brand.

    Or remind you of your fried chicken cravings while your driving. But only if you are pre-disposed to fatty chicken goodness. It’s not going to change the nay-sayers overnight.

  3. 3 hroman said at 11:28 am on April 3rd, 2009:

    This is just KFC’s way of cornering the road-kill market. Mmmmm…

  4. 4 Creativity - KFC Nails It. « Pupil Marketing said at 9:36 am on April 19th, 2009:

    [...] a company that doesn’t necessarily have the best brand image to everyone. More can be found here. Maybe life really does taste better with KFC… Filed under: Uncategorized [...]

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