The KFC Double Down Is Back | Eater
"Originally announced as an April Fools’ stunt in 2010, the Double Down — two fried chicken filets sandwiching bacon, cheese and sauce — became infamous for its decadence and absurdity and is being reintroduced by the fast-food chain for four weeks beginning March 6, with an early giveaway of 2,014 sandwiches (sign-ups start March 2) and choices of mayo or spicy sauce. Its comeback trades on nostalgia and economic parallels to 2010, when the Great Recession, the rise of bacon-driven mashups and low-carb trends helped popularize meat- and calorie-heavy items; today’s keto moment and a broader “fuck it, we ball” appetite for indulgence make the timing sensible. The chain’s CMO calls it one of the most buzzworthy menu items ever, but critics note that the sandwich still epitomizes fast-food excess produced amid problematic farming and labor conditions, and that the restaurant’s overall quality remains underwhelming." - Jaya Saxena
