KFC® Brings Back the Fan-Favorite Twister* and Launches New $20 Customizable Bucket**
Rhea-AI Summary
KFC (NYSE:YUM) announced the limited return of the fan-favorite Twister and launched a new $20 Build a Bucket on Feb. 24, 2026 in Plano, Texas. The Twister returns as a substantial wrap in two builds: Classic and Bacon, with optional Zinger Sauce.
The $20 Build a Bucket includes a choice of 8 pieces on the bone or 8 Original Recipe tenders, 4 individual sides, 4 biscuits and 4 sauces (tenders only). Prices and participation may vary; offer while supplies last.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
YUM gained 1.91% while major restaurant peers like QSR (-1.79%), DRI (-1.2%), CMG (-1.4%) and SBUX (-1.41%) declined; only YUMC was modestly positive (0.38%), pointing to a stock-specific move around this KFC promotion.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10 | Partnership promotion | Positive | -0.0% | Pizza Hut relaunched Heart-Shaped Pizza with music-themed promotional campaign. |
| Feb 04 | Earnings & dividend | Positive | +0.5% | Strong Q4 and full-year 2025 EPS plus 6% quarterly dividend increase. |
| Jan 21 | Earnings call setup | Neutral | -0.6% | Announcement of Q4 2025 results release and conference call logistics. |
| Jan 14 | KFC digital deals | Positive | +0.5% | Launch of Sundays by KFC weekly digital deals and value-focused offers. |
| Jan 07 | Partnership promotion | Positive | -0.6% | Pizza Hut campaign with Tom Brady promoting Big New Yorker pizza pricing. |
Brand and partnership promotions have produced mixed short-term reactions, while fundamental results and dividend increases have generally aligned with mildly positive price moves.
Recent YUM news combined brand marketing with solid fundamentals. A Q4 2025 report on Feb 4 highlighted GAAP EPS of $1.91 for the quarter and $5.55 for 2025, with core EPS at $6.05 and a dividend increase to $0.75 per share, and the stock rose 0.52%. Multiple KFC and Pizza Hut promotions, including digital deals and celebrity campaigns, saw small, mixed price reactions between about -0.61% and 0.49%, suggesting limited but sometimes positive trading impact from similar marketing news.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlighted KFC’s strategy of combining nostalgia with value via the returning Twister and the $20 Build a Bucket bundle. Context from recent history shows YUM pairing such promotions with solid fundamentals, including Q4 2025 GAAP EPS of $1.91 and a higher quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share. Investors may watch how these menu moves support traffic, mix, and system sales across KFC’s large global footprint.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
A nostalgic classic returns for a limited time, alongside a new option to bring everyone to the table
"In today's market, value can't just mean price, and portability can't come at the expense of satisfaction," said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC
The Return of the Twister
Back on the menu by popular demand, the Twister features two crispy Original Recipe® Tenders layered with fresh lettuce, diced tomato and KFC's signature Pepper Mayo inside a warm tortilla. Reintroduced with a more substantial build, it returns as a wrap meant to satisfy as the main event, not just a side.
Available in two builds:
- Twister Classic: Two crispy Original Recipe® Tenders with lettuce, tomato and Pepper Mayo.
- Twister Bacon: Two crispy Original Recipe® Tenders topped with hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and Pepper Mayo.
For those who like heat, fans can add Zinger Sauce for an extra kick. Whether it's a commute, a lunch break or a late-night run, the Twister offers portability with a filling punch.
Introducing the
When dinner turns into a debate, the
- 8 pieces of Chicken on the Bone or 8 Original Recipe® Tenders
- 4 individual sides (your pick)
- 4 buttery, flaky biscuits
- 4 sauces (with Tenders)
From busy weeknights to last-minute gatherings, this shareable option takes the guesswork out of mealtime and puts the focus back on enjoying time together.
Built for Today, Rooted in Original Recipe®
Both the Twister and the
* Prices and participation may vary. Offer available while supplies last.
**Prices and participation may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, CA and third-party ordering websites. Tax, tip and fees extra. Offer includes choice of 8pc dark meat chicken on the bone OR 8pc tenders with 4 sauces, 4 ind. sides and 4 biscuits. Extra charge for breast pc. substitution.
About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in
Media Contact:
kfcusmedia@yum.com
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SOURCE Kentucky Fried Chicken