KFC launches first pub
The site will be the chicken company’s take on a British pub and will include a ‘ring for KFC delivery’ bell, a football table, screens and pints.
Tickets for the Fulham Palace Road pub can be bought on Eventbrite and there is also space for walk-ins.
The opening dates coincide with the timings of the Qatar football World Cup, meaning fans can get chicken delivered to their table while watching matches.
Boosting sales
The tournament is expected to boost pub sales on top of Christmas trade, recent research has confirmed. 48% of those surveyed by CGA Brandtrack said they’d be more likely to watch a match in the pub this year as it will be shown during the festive period.
What’s more, 38% of those surveyed said they would spend more money on alcohol at the pub during a World Cup match, versus 27% who said they would spend more at a Christmas gathering.
“Publicans have felt conflicted as to what trade they should prioritise this winter due to the unprecedented FIFA World Cup and Christmas clash," said Heineken UK on-trade category and commercial director, Charlie Fryday.
Unique experiences
She added: “Many customers will still be looking for individual experiences, which puts operators in a difficult position, as they have never had to plan for such different occasions at the same time."
Match-day snack menus, pay-at-tables systems and football-themed quiz nights could help entice customers in the tournament, according to technology provider Access Hospitality.
What’s more, a survey by DesignMyNight.com found 57% of football fans would continue going to view World Cup matches even if England fail to progress, which means pubs can continue marketing campaigns for the duration of the event – offering plenty of opportunities to bring regulars back during the World Cup.
