KFC Partners with Chef Matty Matheson for '$5 Bowl' Menu to Combat Lunchflation

KFC US has unveiled its strategy for the start of 2026, rejecting traditional "New Year, New You" restriction narratives in favour of a value-driven campaign focused on "intentional indulgence."

The QSR giant is rolling out a lineup of five $5 Bowls, headlined by a high-profile culinary collaboration with chef and restaurateur Matty Matheson. The initiative is designed to address the "lunchflation" crisis, targeting the 31% of Americans who reportedly harbour negative feelings regarding the rising cost of midday meals.

The Matty Matheson Collaboration

Leading the new range is Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, a fast-food interpretation of poutine developed in partnership with Matheson. The bowl combines fries, brown gravy, crispy chicken nuggets, and cheese curds.

The Full $5 Bowl Lineup:

🍟🧀 Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl: Fries, brown gravy, crispy chicken nuggets, and coated cheese curds.

🧀🍗 Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese topped with crispy chicken nuggets and a three-cheese blend.

🥔🥣 Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken nuggets, and a three-cheese blend.

🌶️🧀 Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl: The classic mac & cheese build finished with Nashville Hot Sauce.

🌶️🥔 Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl: The mashed potato build finished with Nashville Hot Sauce.

Matheson is also developing a separate, exclusive menu for the Canadian market, scheduled to drop on 19 January.

Countering 'Quitter's Day'

KFC's campaign relies heavily on consumer insights regarding "Quitter's Day" (9 January), the date when most New Year's resolutions typically falter.

Data cited by the brand indicates that 42% of Americans are opting out of rigid food goals entirely this year. Furthermore, meal prep fatigue is high, with 35% of preppers frustrated by repetition and 28% by time commitment.

To capitalise on this friction, KFC is reinstating $10 Tuesdays, offering an eight-piece bucket (dark meat or tenders) as a "realistic solution" to meal planning.

Melissa Cash, KFC U.S. CMO, explained the decision to focus on abundance rather than restriction: "Every January, the conversation around food gets smaller with focus on rules and restriction. But it shouldn't come at the cost of trading down. Self-improvement can mean intentional indulgence, comfort and abundant value. 2026 will certainly be the year of balance."

Matty Matheson added:

"KFC knows value and flavour, and we wanted to bring that energy to lunch. Something warm and bold and comforting. It's the kind of food you crave and can't stop thinking about."

To support the launch and tap into the "Western-inspired" fashion trend, KFC is releasing "Bowl-o-Ties"—a bowl-shaped twist on the classic bolo tie associated with Colonel Sanders.