Lawsuit filed over KFC's botched grilled chicken giveaway
Filed under: Food, Fraud, Consumer Complaints
Remember the KFC grilled chicken giveaway (promoted by Oprah) that went awry? Well two consumers can't get it off their mind; after several disappointing trips to KFC, wasted gas, printer ink and postage they decided to sue KFC. The lawsuit was filed in LA where the two consumers hope to get full restitution of monies spent in their attempt to get their free grilled chicken meals. The complaint alleges that KFC's free grilled chicken promotion made use of false advertising as well as a bait and switch attempt to take money from customers.
Having excitedly printed off my free grilled chicken coupon and shared it with my co-workers,ah I get where these consumers are coming from. I was disappointed, even a little bit angry, that KFC was backing out on their free grilled chicken coupons; especially since my store was still selling the grilled chicken. The fact that there was still grilled chicken to be had was confusing to me since I didn't realize that there was a difference between "free" chicken and the normal "cash money" chicken at KFC.
The coupon rain check program was another decision that boggles the mind since it seems to be just as easy for them to accept an old coupon and throw in a free Pepsi. Perhaps KFC was hoping that, like all mail in rebate style promotions, this would decrease the number of people who got free chicken saving the Colonel some cash.
Still, a lawsuit, over grilled chicken, and beef seasoned grilled chicken to boot? Is this really the best use of time for all of the involved parties?
If the suit gains class action status we all know what will happen. There will be a long, drawn out process for anyone affected to claim a part of any settlement which will be followed by ANOTHER free chicken giveaway and no admission of wrongdoing by KFC. Don't forget the lawyers will also take home enough cash to make all the money wasted on postage for rain checks seem like barely enough to buy a value meal.
Can't we all gather around a bucket of chicken and work this out?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 17)
6-19-2009 @ 2:43PM
joe said...
DON'T CARE!
Reply
6-19-2009 @ 2:46PM
slimpickings said...
the grilled chicken taste nasty anyway who cares!
6-19-2009 @ 3:08PM
CC said...
People always want something for FREE... Hell pay for it!
6-19-2009 @ 4:12PM
T.L. Marshall said...
You got that right.
6-30-2009 @ 8:53AM
eddie said...
That is what is wrong with this country (well one of the things) crap like this should never be allowed in court, so what your cheap ass didn't get your $2.00 worth of chicken, go buy it cheap ass.
6-19-2009 @ 9:53PM
No Worries said...
Yet you clicked on the story...
6-22-2009 @ 8:41AM
Nikki said...
They should be sued for all the viruses that ppl got from that BS coupon!
6-19-2009 @ 2:43PM
NazzTea said...
KFC's mail-in rebate program not only discourages many original participants, but also garners lots of marketing info. for the KFC's marketing department. ay it after me; "Kentucky Grilled SPAM".
Reply
6-19-2009 @ 2:47PM
KIM said...
What a crock. Give them a free bucket and call it even. All they want is free money and their face on the news, although they should be embarrassed I would not want anyone to know what a complete idiot I made of myself suing for a piece of chicken.
Reply
6-22-2009 @ 1:21PM
Donna said...
I think that KFC should be sued for false advertisment when they show a FULL bucket of BIG pieces of chicken and all you get is a HALF OF A BUCKET of one bite legs and 2 bite thighs. The pieces are so small unlike the BIG pieces they show on TV.
What a disappointment!
Reply
6-19-2009 @ 3:35PM
Simzee said...
Please remember that KFC is NOT playing with a full bucket. Nor is their elevator not going all the way up.
6-19-2009 @ 5:12PM
CC said...
NEED TO GET THIS CLASS ACTION IN NEW ORLEANS!
6-19-2009 @ 8:16PM
paula said...
i thought i was imagining that i went and bought a bucket and when i got it home it was all legs and thighs and they looked like they were from baby chickens. all kfc chicken is usually good size pieces. do they use different type of chicken for grilling
6-19-2009 @ 8:42PM
geri davenport said...
i agree with Donna, oprah is always doing something to help promote companies or their products but something always go wrong. KFC shouldn't have taken on a challenge like that if they wern't prepared for it.
6-19-2009 @ 8:59PM
jodi said...
that should go for all restaurants.....McD's, Wendy's, BK Apple Bees, etc. They all show beautiful looking food with huge portions, then screw you as soon as you order it!
6-20-2009 @ 12:32AM
KAS said...
I don't believe in "a law suit" to cure things like this.
But I would write a letter to corporate, ask for a reply.
I would let them know I am disappointed in the ad and the follow thru.. To the point that I buy my chicken else where now.
And I'd send a copy of my most recent receipt.. to prove it, from another store.
Best way to "hurt" them is to take your biz else where!
I also agree with those writing.. Sue over a $2. freebee.. lol
You have too much time / money !
Also .. why expect something for nothing.. to the point you obcess and end up suing ?
Get a life!
6-20-2009 @ 10:15PM
Kristi said...
ITS FREE WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT
6-19-2009 @ 2:44PM
fritz said...
well I'm pissed too. I want what was promised and advertized as free. I have not eaten at KFC since the rip-off and if they do not stand up and honor their original offer, I will never eat there again. Period.
Reply
6-22-2009 @ 10:02PM
Joyceeshore said...
I agree. Who needs KFC? There are so many other fast food stores. I haven't gone back and don't intend to - no matter the outcome.
6-19-2009 @ 2:50PM
fritz said...
I will never eat there again if they do not honor their original offer. This will cost them alot more in the long run that just doing what they advertized would have cost. I'm through with them.
Reply