The new Kwench bar on Lord Street is described as a ‘world first’ for the fried chicken giant and marks the brand’s attempts to tap into the growing market for beverages.
The KFC site comprises 100 covers across two floors, with a standalone Kwench bar occupying the first floor.
Kwench serves a range of lemonades, bubble teas, milkshakes, and sparkling drinks. Options include the Caramel Krunch Shake, Chocolate Krunch Shake, and Coconut Mango Shake as well as Iced Koffee Krunch in Iced Caramel, Iced Mocha and Iced Latte options, and sparkling raspberry; and hot honey mango lemonades; and Cherry Poppin’ and Watermelon Poppin’ Refreshers.
The brand was launched earlier this year specifically targeting Gen Z KFC customers, with KFC saying that drinks choice is a key factor among the demographic when deciding which food brand to visit.
Speaking at the launch of the brand in Manchester in January, Dhiren Karnani, strategy and innovation director at KFC UK & Ireland, said: “Kwench by KFC [is] a freshly prepared drinks range designed to cater to every craving, from refreshing pick-me-ups to indulgent shakes. Packed with craveable, visually stunning flavours, this launch is set to solidify KFC as the ultimate destination for Gen Z.”
The move by KFC follows that of McDonald’s in the US with its CosMc’s brand. Launched in December 2023, it was created as a snack and coffee/drink concept rather than a fast food restaurant and served a range of drinks including a sour cherry energy burst, chai frappe burst, churro frappe, s’mores cold brew, blueberry ginger boost, and an island pick-me-up punch.
Despite being initially well received, the fast food giant called time on the brand - that had grown to nine sites - and instead introduced some of the drinks on the menu into existing McDonald’s restaurants.
It also comes during a boom in the market for the green tea drink matcha, which has become a favourite among Gen Z drinkers thanks to brands such as Blank Street. A recent report by PwC found that young consumers are treating themselves to products including matcha as an ‘affordable affluence’.