What Is the Dilemma Facing Kfc free essay sample

In 2010, KFC introduced its new item to the menu; The Double Down, it was the sandwich that had no room for a bun. This sandwich was introduced with an attempt to grow revenue in a very competitive business. According to Solomon, Marshall, and Stuart, the U. S. has the largest fast-food market in the world, with many competitors offering products that are the same or similar with rivalry prices that constrain profit margins (Solomon, Marshall, Stuart, 2011) . KFC first started in North Corbin, Kentucky during the great depression and was at that time called Sanders Curt Cafe which led to expansions in 1952 in South Salt Lake, Utah, and eventually to Canada by early 1960. Kentucky Fried Chicken was sold in over 600 franchised outlets changing ownership multiple times. Today, the brand is owned by Yum! Brands and is based in Louisville, Kentucky serving 12 million customers each day. The Double Down features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken filets with your choice of original recipe or grilled, two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey jack and pepper jack cheese and colonels sauce. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is the Dilemma Facing Kfc? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Although it was initially offered on a limited-time basis, KFC decided to add the item permanently to the menu because of strong sales driven in part by people eating the sandwich on YouTube and popular television personality Stephen Colbert consuming one on the Colbert report television show. KFC reports that the launch is one of their most successful ever, but from a nutritional standpoint, the Double Down packs 540 calories, 32 grams of fat, and a whopping 1,380 milligrams of sodium in original recipe and 460 calories, 23 grams of fat and 1,430 milligrams of sodium in grilled; the level of sodium in the sandwich is definitely a drawback (Solomon, Marshall, Stuart, 2011), but the fat gram in the sandwich is high as well because I would not be able to eat that with my heart condition. This would not be a purchase I would make at KFC. Concerns about this sandwich is very high because today, persons are looking at their health, and making more healthier choices in regards to food more than before including myself because many are suffering from heart disease; we indulged too much on this type of food previously. I understand why KFC introduced this sandwich, because of the revenue it would make and competition standpoint, I am sure this sandwich is good, but this much sodium and fat can be detrimental to your overall heart health. Many customers prefer health choices when considering fast food. However, there are also numerous diners to whom the appeal of fat, salt, and processed carbs are irresistible, but this leads to obesity along with other health problems in the future. KFC will have to rethink how a healthy menu can be presented, remain to be profitable, as well as being competitive with others (Solomon, Marshall, Stuart, 2011). According to Stein, â€Å"KFCs breadless Double Down sandwich is a salty, unhealthy, gooey mess, and I loved every bite of it† (Stein, 2010). When he took his first bite he said he felt like he was in heaven with this greasy, gooey, messy sandwich without a bun and was inspired to center his diet on breadless sandwiches. I can see were this is not the healthiest sandwich to consume with the ingredients of two fried chicken breasts, bacon, cheese, and glorified Thousand Island dressing in between. The Double Down has gotten trashed by all those who care about their health, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine who even wrote an open letter shaming KFC for it. Of course Stein feels that if the Double Down had bread, the food police would never have noticed the sandwich existed. It also would have been too big to put in your mouth.