Fast Food Wars in the Czech Republic: Why KFC’s Shrinking Portions Are Stirring Customer Discontent

Fast food chains have been popular in the Czech Republic for decades. After the so-called coup, they became a symbol of Western values ​​and resources. Back then, eating in such a restaurant was a sign of status, and you also had to pay extra. Over time, even the negative side of fast food came to the surface, but they were already included in society. In addition, they have also become an affordable way of eating, because they were supposed to be according to the original meaning.

Competition is growing rapidly

Today we have several internationally active chains here, with more coming here recently. Next to McDonald’s, there is traditionally KFC and Burger King. The Popeyes chain caused quite a stir last year, and now another legendary company will be opening in the form of Five Guys. To make matters worse, American Wendy’s is also planning to enter.

In this intense competition, it could be assumed that the existing chains would break up to keep their customers, or even get new ones. But some of them seriously fail in this regard. For example, there are many complaints about KFC, especially about reducing portions.

“Why isn’t anyone talking about the fact that this is a large portion of fries, according to KFC” wrote one of the customers on social network X, who also posted a picture of the type of chain that serves large fries, and you have to pay ​​a lot more for that. The small ones in fact even less, but even the alleged large proportion cannot satisfy anyone.

“KFC is making a big comeback. When I was in high school, Twister cost 75 CZK and was the size of my arch. Today it costs 123 CZK and is the size of a bag of fruit from McDonald’s,” another customer aptly described the situation. “It goes well, they beat him” said another.

Why do they do it?

Almost all opinions are similar that this fast food chain is just cutting portions and raising prices. Customers are unhappy, which is never a good sign. Some of them even report that they stopped going to KFC because of it.

At the same time, the question is why the company did something like this. It does not seem like a good idea to save on fries, which cost several kroner in production costs and where it is immediately visible. On the other hand, how excited people would be if they could get a little more, a bigger portion. It would cost the company almost nothing, but it would spread the word that customers are not protected here. Now it’s just the opposite.