Supermarkets and grocery stores may face a new challenge as fast food giant KFC (formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) is trialling serving beer and cider at a number of stores around the world. Two Toronto KFCs began selling alcohol in Canada last year and now the new Parramatta store in Sydney has applied for a liquor license.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports “a KFC spokeswoman confirmed the ‘concept’ store [in Sydney] would sell beer and cider, but refused to give further details. It is an apparent attempt by the company to diversify into the fast-growing middle market for fast food.” The Toronto stores reportedly “feature hipster interiors, exposed brick walls and an outdoor balcony and promise ‘more unique’ choices, including mango rice salad, waffle fries and bottled beer.”
Putting aside the logical absurdity of a concept being “more unique” by definition, the move has been criticised. The SMH reports Mike Daube, professor of health policy at Curtin University, condemning the move and urging authorities to deny the company a licence. “KFC is the last place where alcohol should be sold,” he said. “This is a company that markets to kids and families.”
KFC is clearly testing a new business model. In many countries, alcohol is freely sold at fast food outlets such as McDonalds. In the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film “Pulp Fiction” hit man Vincent (John Travolta) said “well, you can walk into a movie theatre in Amsterdam and buy a beer. And I don’t mean just like in no paper cup; I’m talking about a glass of beer. And in Paris, you can buy a beer at McDonald’s.”
KFC is clearly testing the waters and if they move into the alcohol industry it could dramatically alter the face of the industry.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/64642788/kfc-adds-beer-and-cider-to-the-menu)
