KFC
KFC is no stranger to dreaming up weird publicity stunts to drum up some hype, and the chain has struck yet again courtesy of a BBQ-scented perfume that quickly sold out after it popped up online.
Like many fast food restaurants, KFC devotes a ton of time and effort to developing menu items that are capable of attracting attention by simply existing (it’s hard to think of a better example than the somewhat infamous Double Down sandwich that eschewed a bun in favor of two pieces of fried chicken).
However, as someone who’s also devoted a ton of time and effort to covering the marketing ploys brands in KFC’s realm have dreamed up over the years, you’d be hard-pressed to find many restaurant chains that have managed to think outside of the box as much as it has.
After all, we’re talking about a company that made a fire log that smelled like fried chicken, teamed up with Crocs for a collab that spawned a similarly scented charm, and produced a video game console with a built-in chicken warmer.
Now, KFC has returned with a vengeance courtesy of the gimmick it whipped up to promote the Ultimate BBQ burger it recently launched in the United Kingdom with No. 11 Eau de BBQ, the name given to the perfume it started selling on Monday before it quickly sold out.
I wouldn’t have guessed there was a huge market for a fragrance that boasts the “smoky wood and charcoal notes” that serve as the foundation for No. 11 Eau de BBQ (a name referencing the number of herbs and spices used in KFC’s secret seasoning blend), but it didn’t take long for people who were willing to shell out £11 (~$14) for a 100 ml bottle to snap up every single one that was produced.
If past history is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before they start popping up on eBay, but you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium.