Corporate KFCs vs. Franchise KFCs?

I know it's probably heresy to bring up KFC here, but you guys are the only people I know to ask. My son (and me too, to be honest) were big fans of KFC's popcorn chicken, and on the way home from school we would occasionally treat ourselves to some. However, the last time we tried to get some, we were told they were no longer available in KFCs. Thinking I might have better luck at my local (Highlands) KFC, I tried again. Immediately, I noticed that the entire menu had been stripped down a lot--it hardly had any items. Then looking at the counter I saw they had a list of items no longer carried, with "similar" items that the staff was supposed to point customers to if they complained. The woman behind the counter explained that "corporate" KFCs had all changed their menus, while "franchise" KFCs might still have the other items.

I guess it's a money saving change, but it seems a little odd to make such a big change but only do it at some locations. Has anyone heard of any other fast food places doing something similar? And does anyone know where there are any franchise locations in town?

I know it's probably heresy to bring up KFC here, but you guys are the only people I know to ask. My son (and me too, to be honest) were big fans of KFC's popcorn chicken, and on the way home from school we would occasionally treat ourselves to some. However, the last time we tried to get some, we were told they were no longer available in KFCs. Thinking I might have better luck at my local (Highlands) KFC, I tried again. Immediately, I noticed that the entire menu had been stripped down a lot--it hardly had any items. Then looking at the counter I saw they had a list of items no longer carried, with "similar" items that the staff was supposed to point customers to if they complained. The woman behind the counter explained that "corporate" KFCs had all changed their menus, while "franchise" KFCs might still have the other items.

I guess it's a money saving change, but it seems a little odd to make such a big change but only do it at some locations. Has anyone heard of any other fast food places doing something similar? And does anyone know where there are any franchise locations in town?

I used to love "Chicken Littles." When they discontinued those, I pretty much discontinued even stopping there for a quick snack until wraps came along. Of course, now I have Chick-Fil-A conveniently close by for a mini chicken sandwich fix.

As for corporate making wholesale cuts, it doesn't surprise me. It's all about the profits.

I think I read somewhere recently that KFC was trying to get back to basics instead of trying to manage so many different products. They were going to go back to what made them KFC in the first place! Of course it probably save them some money along the way which was probably their real reason anyway.

I think John Greenup is our KFC guru in this forum. John...?

Zzzzzzz...huh?! What?!
Although my KFC days are behind me, the few contacts I still maintain over there tell me that KFC is undergoing an overhaul of their menu - similar to what they did in the early 1980's (when I worked there) and try to focus more on their "core" chicken products. Those were the days when KFC restaurants (esp. franchise stores) offered ham and roast beef sandwiches - even fish. Things got out of hand, and the company was losing its brand identity. Our marketing camapign ("We Do Chicken Right!") brought corporate and franchise stores back to basics on the menu items that built the company.
The biggest complaint that I've had w/KFC in recent years has been its focus on developing overseas markets to the detrement (IMO) of its domestic restaurants...hopefully, the recent attempts to stremline their menu is a step toward re-vitalizing the US market.
One product that I would LOVE to see KFC re-introduce is their "Spicy Crispy" chicken; I'm probably somewhat bias, since I was the product manager and oversaw its national launch, but it was excellent.

I was called the 'Popcorn Princess' when I worked at KFC R&D
I believe another fast food restaurant or two has served Popcorn Chicken. And there could be some freezer to fryer (or oven) Popcorn Chicken in your grocery freezer section. Maybe the Perdue folks. Thought I saw some at Costco recently.
The back of the house at KFC is so labor intensive. It's a challenge. Pretty good food if you get it fresh. We were always asked to show the Marketing folks menu items during their lunch time - how convenient Even flew to Puchase, NY to cook for the stockholders one day
The food and beverage industry is very interesting and can be alot of fun.
(I went from chicken and biscuits to whiskey and bourbon.)

They changed their Mashed potatoes and biscuits recipes years ago...I have not felt right about eating in a KFC since that time as it was one of the only things I liked about the place.