Across the island, Jamaicans turned out in droves yesterday for what many are now calling “National KFC Day.”
The fast-food giant’s celebration of 50 years in Jamaica triggered a fried chicken frenzy as customers lined up from as early as 6 a.m. to take advantage of the one-day-only Big Deal Brawta’, buy a Big Deal (three-piece combo), and get a Meal Deal (two-piece combo) free.
“We wanted to make a real impact and give back to our customers in a big, meaningful way,” said Andrei Roper, marketing manager for KFC Jamaica. “This was our way of saying thanks for putting KFC at the centre of so many moments over the past 50 years.”
Outside the Port Royal Street/King Street branch in downtown Kingston, Donnie, who had joined the line from 9 a.m., admitted he’d called in sick just to get in on the promotion which limited each buyer to five orders.
“Mi usually buy KFC every Friday for me and mi daughter them, but this time mi ago mek the five times try five-five a 25 last till Friday.” By 2:30 p.m., he was finally served.
“People pass and seh we hungry belly, but them nuh think ’bout some a the things we go through. A nuh greed, we just a be smart.” At the Rockfort branch, three friends who had been waiting since 10 a.m. finally got through mid-afternoon and said it was worth it.
“Mi love KFC. Them seh ackee and saltfish a the national dish, but a KFC a we real national dish and that nah go change,” said Keria. “Mi try KFC chicken inna other country and mi nuh know what them put inna the one dung yah. It just different.”
But the excitement wasn’t without its challenges. Viral videos online showed crowd surges, pushing, and minor damage at a few locations. Roper acknowledged the incidents, stating that KFC had ramped up staff, brought in additional security, and prepared extensively to handle the rush.
“There were some isolated situations where things got heated,” he said. “But we always encourage restraint, patience, and care for our fellow customers.”
“We always review what went well, what didn’t, and what we can do better. The turnout today just shows the love and power of the brand but we have to ensure we protect our customers while we celebrate with them,” he added.
Despite widespread fears that locations would run out of chicken by midday, most branches were still serving well into the afternoon and others, even into the evening. According to Roper, a partnership with Jamaica Broilers, along with early logistical planning, ensured steady supply.
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