KFC is bringing back two axed menu items by ‘obsessive demand’ in US

Colonel Sanders and his greasy-fingered army appear to be in a generous mood this summer as KFC is answering years of public pleas. From Monday (August 18), the chain will be bringing back its long-gone and much-missed Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings to its restaurants right across the United States. The wedges, a KFC staple since the mid-1990s, became a real fan favourite before being controversially dropped from the colonel's menu back in 2020. The wings, known for their fiery kick, last appeared nearly two years ago. The bad news? Both will be available for only a limited time (Picture: Getty Images)

The return of the wedges is largely due to relentless customer lobbying. Over the years, thousands of KFC fans have taken to social media to share memories of - and fondness for -the thick-cut potatoes, while others signed petitions urging the fast-food giant to bring them back. KFC even tested a local relaunch earlier this year down in Tampa, Florida, which led to rapid sell-outs in multiple outlets. That trial run appears to have confirmed national appetite for their return (Picture: KFC)

Hot & Spicy Wings are also making a comeback, offering a marinated heat balanced with KFC’s Extra Crispy flour coating. Each wing is double-breaded to create a satisfying crunch before giving way to tender chicken inside. The pairing of the wings with the wedges is being used as a selling point by the fried chicken giants, who are pushing the two as a perfect snacking duo (Picture: KFC)

Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC US, says the decision reflects the brand’s commitment to listening to customers. 'Wedge lovers, we heard you and we agree it’s been five long years without wedges. But the wait is over,' she said. She added that the reintroduction is not just nostalgia but part of a broader 'Kentucky Fried Comeback' to give diners more reasons to visit and revisit the chain (Picture: Getty Images)

Customers will be able to order wedges as a side, swap them in place of another menu item, or choose the new six-piece wings and wedges combo that includes a medium drink. Those who prefer fries won't be left out, though - KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries are set to remain very much on the menu alongside the returning favourites (Picture: Getty Images)

The timing is strategic, arriving just ahead of back-to-school season and the start of so many sporting seasons kicking back off again. Limited-time menu releases have become an effective way for fast-food brands to create buzz and drive repeat visits. KFC will be hoping that the wedges and wings not only draw in old customers who may have wandered away from the chain, but also encourage new ones to give their menu a try (Picture: Getty Images)

With a confirmed national rollout and plenty of advance notice, demand is expected to be pretty high. So KFC is urging customers to visit while supplies last to avoid disappointment. Given how quickly they sold out during the Tampa trial, fans may want to act early to make sure they don't miss out when those tasty wedges and wings are cooked up at their nearest branch (Picture: Getty Images)