KFC Is Giving Away Finger Sporks to Promote Its Side Dishes

By Brendan Menapace

KFC kind of pigeonholed itself by putting "chicken" in the name. To make up for that, it wants to shine some of the spotlight on its selection of side dishes.

To do that, KFC is including side dishes in the "Finger Lickin' Good" motto by creating little sporks that fit over your fingers.

KFC has been using sporks in its restaurants since the 1970s, but these smaller models are "ergonomic and gastronomic [pieces] of table-ware tech" perfect for items like corn or mashed potatoes.

Look at that retro ad. That's the good stuff, isn't it? People love that these days.

Customers can get the Finger Sporks through ordering a Sides Lovers Meal via the KFC mobile app, on KFC.com or in participating restaurants through July 12.

“KFC Finger Sporks are taking sides off the sidelines and putting them in the spotlight,” said Nick Chavez, CMO, KFC U.S., in a press release. “Every detail of the innovative Finger Spork has been carefully crafted and pressure tested—by way of eating many KFC sides—for the optimal finger lickin’ good experience.”

The Louisville-based fast food chain also just joined the celebrity meal deal club, partnering with hometown hero Jack Harlow for a branded meal that included specially designed food packaging and yet-to-be unveiled merchandise.

.@JackHarlow made you something special and this time you can eat it. Order the Jack Harlow Meal now in stores or on the KFC app #HarlowxKFC pic.twitter.com/fapTQfNiuZ

— KFC (@kfc) June 6, 2022

At one point they even created a giant branded bucket to display outside of a restaurant.

A little birdie told us that Jack Harlow is at a KFC location in Atlanta at 2 PM today. Ok…that little birdie was us… he’s there. 2637 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, Ga 30080 pic.twitter.com/XswZMq6FO8

— KFC (@kfc) June 4, 2022

A lot of this could stem from the idea of children's toys at fast food restaurants. We all grew up and accepted that we were too old for toys, but deep down we still wanted one. Adult versions of toys, like special branded items for purchase or giveaway items, or maybe putting our favorite musicians' faces on packaging, are a way to drive us back to the drive-thru.

What KFC did by partnering with an artist from their hometown is a nice touch. Most fast food giants have outgrown their original locations. We'd bet most people couldn't tell you where McDonald's or Burger King got started. But with "Kentucky" in the name, it lends itself to a locally-focused promo, even if it's one of the biggest companies in the world.

And now, they might have the smallest utensils in the world.