U.S.FOLLOW-UP
KFC fountain machines now pouring Coke, and customers are noticing
USA Today reports the change covers US restaurants, which means fountain machines and signs are being swapped one location at a time; the chicken is staying put.
On air: Hank Ledger on BBN TonightPublished
At a glance
- First reported by USA Today: “KFC is replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola at US restaurants”.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 6:13 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger.
- Topics: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, US.
- BBN covered this story before: KFC swaps Pepsi for Coca-Cola at 3,700 US restaurants (October 16).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTonight the cola swap at KFC is down to what customers actually taste. Skip Waverly is back at the same restaurant to ask them.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentHank, I'm standing in the KFC parking lot where the drive-through line is steady, and the folks here have strong feelings about Coca-Cola replacing Pepsi at US restaurants.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentI'm also dry, which is new, and I'd like that noted for the desk.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNoted. What are they saying?
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentLet's ask this gentleman, who just came out holding a large cup. Sir, can you taste the difference?
Leopold Nakamura-ReyesOh, absolutely. I haven't had a sip yet, but I can feel it in my teeth. It's sharper.
Leopold Nakamura-ReyesPepsi always felt like a warm hug, and this one feels like a handshake from a lawyer.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentThere you have it, Hank, the public is divided, one man at a time. I'd say it's a story for someone with real desk experience.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThank you, Skip. Sir, before you go, is the cola any good?
Leopold Nakamura-ReyesNo idea. The cup is gorgeous, though.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBrock, I'm told your forecast has a lot of fizz in it tonight.
The story so far
- KFC Is Moving to Ditch Pepsi for Coke in Thousands of Restaurants · WSJ
- KFC to switch to Coca-Cola drinks in U.S. restaurants · CNBC
- KFC's Coke Deal Starts in January; Pepsi Loses a Decades-Old Partner · WSJ
- KFC swaps Pepsi for Coca-Cola at 3,700 US restaurants · Fox Business
- KFC fountain machines now pouring Coke, and customers are noticing (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 16, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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