Fast food collaborations are the hottest thing right now! From partnering with other restaurants to non-related food items and even organizations, there’s no stopping these chains from collaborating. This time around, we’re featuring new collaborations from your favorite fast-food chains.
Let’s be honest: marketing stunts or promotions among two involved brands are the main aim of the collaborations, but they won’t sign the deal unless you’re that influential in your field. But let’s not spoil the fun in it; at least we get the best of both worlds in both brands. It’s also a channel to promote the brand to fans. Get ready, as your favorite chicken spots, KFC and Wingstop, have brought us some amazing collaborations we need to watch out for. Ready? Let’s go!
KFC x Hatch
If you love ASMR sounds, then this collaboration is for you! From the sound of the rain to opening packages, we just can’t get enough of the dreamy sounds from our favorite ASMR channels to put us to sleep. Have you ever heard of a fried chicken fry ASMR? The internet may compare them similarly with the sound of rain falling.
With that, Hatch, a sleep wellness company, would like to test that as they collaborate with our favorite Kentucky Fried Chicken for an ASMR frying! They will call it “The Fried Chicken Rain,” where we get to hear the sound of our drool-worthy chicken getting deep fried. This custom sound is available on Restore 2 sleep smart devices if you have the Hatch+ premium content subscription starting today. But don’t worry, for easier access, The Fried Chicken Rain is also available on the Hatch for Sleep and KFC YouTube channels as well as on the Hatch for Sleep Spotify page.
Behind The Collaboration
You may wonder how KFC and Hatch — two different companies — would ever think of collaborating. The inspiration for the ASMR spiel came straight from Louisville, Kentucky, wherein Hatch visited the chicken chain’s headquarters and test kitchen to learn more about the real sound of fried chicken. With that, Hatch employees worked closely with KFC’s food innovation team to record the process of frying the new KFC’s new Original Tenders.
Eric Pallota, CMO of Hatch, revealed that while browsing social media, they have seen posts comparing the similarity of the sound of rain frying chicken. The company wanted to recreate the best version of the audio. Of course, the team thought of the OG fried chicken spot KFC as the perfect chain to team up with.
Catherine Tan Gillespie, KFC’s U.S. Chief Marketing and Development Officer, said that their chicken may be iconic but who knew the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices fried could make fans fall asleep? With this special collaboration and promotion of the new Original Tenders, fans can now fall asleep thanks to the soothing sounds of fried chicken.
This unique brand partnership is just one of Hatch+ Premium’s exclusive ASMR content. From meditations to screen shows, their library is full of sleep stories and relaxing music for a relaxed bedtime. Sleep is important, so you better invest in things that could help you and your family rest well.
KFC’s Original Recipe Tenders
In case you missed it, KFC released their Original Recipe Tenders last October 14, as they challenge rival chains who also serve the same tenders. The new Original Recipe Tenders are double hand-breaded with KFC’s 11 secret herbs and spices and are fried to golden perfection. The good news is they’re only priced at $5 as you get three pieces of tenders, Secret Recipe Fries, and two special sauces for dipping — choose among Comeback Sauce, Sticky Chicky, or KFC Sauce.
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Wingstop x NBA
Calling all chicken wings and basketball fans, your favorite combination is finally collaborating with the Wingstop and National Basketball Association (NBA) multiyear partnership. Yup, Wingstop is the new Official Chicken Partner of the NBA and NBA G League. Exciting, right? This agreement marks Wingstop’s first official partnership with a major U.S. professional sports league.
As Wingstop continues to expand over 2,350 restaurants and counting, the flavor brand will leverage the media exposure given by virtual and courtside signage during televised games. It will also appear on the league’s digital platforms all throughout the season.
Michael Skipworth, President and CEO of Wingstop, said that their fans will enjoy watching the NBA games with their cook-to-order wings that are hand-sauced and tossed in their bold flavors. Skipworth prided Wingstop by claiming their spot as the Official Chicken and Wing Partner of the NBA.
Now, what’s in it for fans? As part of their partnership, Wingstop will show its presence at the NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The chicken chain will excite fans as they become the presenting partner of the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet, wherein celebrities will arrive in advance for the annual exhibition game that will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Oakland Arena.
Julie Morris, NBA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media, said that they knew Wingstop to be a leader that has established itself as a mainstay essential in every gameday routine of NBA fans. Morris added that they welcome Wingstop to the NBA family as they look forward to collaborating on unique and exciting ways for fans to bring them closer to basketball.
In case you’re not familiar, the NBA is just continuing Wingstop’s existing relationships with some teams from the NBA family, which includes partnerships with the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks. So, if you’re a fan of any of these teams, you’ve already had your snack on wing set by Wingstop while watching one of your favorite team’s games.
RELATED: Transform Your Game Day with Wingstop’s Menu Hacks
From The Club
These collaborations have got me excited for new limited-time releases! While KFC and Wingstop are only planning for promotional activities to happen, it isn’t impossible for them to release new menu items inspired by their collaborations. Although I’m not an NBA fan, I’m pretty excited about a potential new flavor coming out at Wingstop!