KFC has learned not to underestimate the power of Oprah Winfrey.
A free grilled-chicken meal promotion touted by the talk show host has caused such a frenzy that some stores ran out and the Louisville-based chicken chain is asking customers to take a rain check for the new product.
KFC President Roger Eaton said Thursday the company will mail coupons to customers in stages so people can enjoy their meal in a more relaxed setting. It will throw in a free soft drink to sweeten the new deal.
Downloadable coupons for a free meal were available on Oprah.com for 24 hours beginning Tuesday after Winfrey announced the promotion on her show. Each coupon promised two pieces of grilled chicken, two individual side orders and a biscuit.
The promotion ended midnight Wednesday.
KFC Spokesman Rick Maynard said earlier that "millions" of coupons had been downloaded.
Maynard wouldn't disclose details of Oprah's relationship with the historic chain other than saying she wanted to give Americans a free meal, while KFC was looking to promote its latest product.
"I'd say the response has been exactly what we expected, and we expected it to be great," he said.
The coupons, which get you two pieces of grilled chicken, two sides and a biscuit, are redeemable through May 19, except on Mother's Day — the restaurant's busiest day of the year, Maynard said.
Check with your local restaurant first, as not all KFCs are carrying the new product. It's available, however, in more than 95 percent of KFC's roughly 5,200 locations, he said.
Staff writer Katie Leslie and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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