When food Breaks the Internet
If you took an American in the year 1819, two hundred years ago and you had them experience our life today for just one day, perhaps a day from just a couple weeks ago--August 28, 2019, I wonder what they would think. I chose this day because it would be a pretty fun, unique day for them to experience. You see, this happens to be the day after Popeyes launched their now famous chicken sandwich and they blew the internet to smithereens because of it. This sandwich was so delicious, everyone had to go out and get one.
This chicken sandwich is described as "a buttermilk battered and hand-breaded white meat chicken filet, served on a buttery, toasted brioche bun with two barrel cured pickles, and your choice of classic mayo or spicy Cajun spread". It looks crispy and delicious and perfect.
This sandwich sold completely out at ALL locations in less than a week!! Can you believe that?? That is so crazy to me! All because of the buzz they were causing on the internet.
But of course you also had to post it on social media, because if you don't post it on Instagram or Facebook, did it even really happen?? Our world is so strange now in so many ways--even more than the chicken sandwich, this person would probably be very confused about the internet and social media and why everyone is constantly staring down at this little rectangle in their hands instead of talking to their friends or family. Sad! I digress...
This chicken sandwich is blowing all the competitors out of the water. Popeyes got in a pretty funny Twitter feud with new rivals, and the reigning champions of the chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A.
After the sandwich dropped, Chick-fil-A sent out a pretty passive aggressive tweet that said, "Bun + Chicken + Pickle = all the love for the original." Popeyes, who were on top of the world by now came back with, "@Chick-fil-A, ya'll good?" Then after selling out at EVERY single location, Popeyes dropped the mic and tweeted "be back soon!" It was all pretty great to watch transpire.
My, how times have changed. Back in 1819, it was all about word of mouth, of course. Maybe you'd tell your friends what a killer chicken sandwich your wife makes. But in order to get that sandwich you probably had to kill the chicken, pluck the feathers off--the whole works, so honestly, you'd probably enjoy that sandwich even more!
The internet is a really big deal nowadays for restaurants. Social media is everything. Do you remember last year when IHOP can out on social media and said they chanted their name to IHOB--or International House of Burgers. None of us knew if it was a joke or not. Even big competitors like Burger King and Wendy's were sending out tweets, poking fun at them. They kept this going for a whole month and then said that there were indeed joking. But I think they got what they wanted. Everyone was talking about IHOP. They were thinking about IHOP. Perhaps they even went in to try their burgers because they had to see the fuss and see if this was all really worth rebranding an iconic name.
What do you think of this new world of Twitter wars and food blowing up and selling out within days because of the buzz on the internet. Were you one of the lucky ones that got to try one of these beloved chicken sandwiches? Share any of your thoughts in the comments below.
Mary Richardson
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
Email the author! mary@dvo.com
