We launched New Zealand’s hottest late-night dining pop-up: Mr. Sanders, where KFC met high-end supper club vibes on Ponsonby Road. Inspired by trendy dinner clubs and created in collaboration with Instagram’s most loveable  Kiwi chef, Hercules Noble. The exclusive event reimagined KFC’s Hot & Crispy Boneless with elevated flavours and stylish twists. For four unforgettable nights, fans experienced KFC like never before - up close, personal and plated to perfection.

Hercules Noble was the perfect fit for this collaboration, he reimagined Hot & Crispy Boneless, adding his signature sourdough and KFC Zinger butter to the mix - a guest favourite. We took over Ponsonby’s iconic AntiSocialClub, transforming it into Mr. Sanders, a late-night dinner club with just 26 seats per sitting, to keep it intimate and exclusive. The ambiance was a chic blend of KFC’s brand cues with upscale dining flair, complete with a custom Mr. Sanders sign that teased passing locals.

We launched a two-pronged media approach, first announcing ticket sales and creating a buzz that saw them sell out in hours. By holding back a few tickets for an encore announcement, we stoked more excitement, driving further coverage in top lifestyle outlets. Our second phase captured influencers and media sharing their first-hand experiences, with coverage on platforms like Newshub and NZ Herald. The pop-up achieved a reach of over 10 million and 178 social posts, far exceeding expectations. Organic influencer engagement hit 3.7 million, and the PR value soared to nearly half a million. Thanks to overwhelming demand from the public, additional sessions were added, with Mr. Sanders becoming a sold-out sensation.

Mr. Sanders by KFC wasn’t just a pop-up, it was a cultural moment, proof that crispy chicken and high-end dining are a match made in heaven.