The new Saucy! by KFC fast-food concept intends to live up to its bold and lively name, from its hot pink color scheme to its vibrant variety of signature sauces for its boneless chicken tendies to its flashy late-night energy. The brand’s first location in Southwest Florida launches March 24 in the former Naples location of rival PDQ at 5088 Airport-Pulling Road N., just south of Pine Ridge Road.
“Naples has a vibrant and growing community that loves great food and great gathering spots, and Carillon Place is right in the heart of it. We’re excited to introduce the full Saucy! experience to a busy local hub where people shop, dine and spend time together,” said Andrew Grosshans, general manager of Saucy! in Naples.
An upstart offspring of Colonel Sanders, Saucy! shares Kentucky Fried Chicken’s iconic original recipe with 11 herbs and spices as well as its longtime slogan, “Finger Lickin’ Good,” but that’s where comparisons end. The new brand strives to create its own identity pop for a younger generation, jumping into the competitive chicken tenders dining category with a fresh take on the fast-food favorite.
The interior of Saucy! by KFC in Naples features a bright pink color scheme, modern seating and a high-energy atmosphere designed to appeal to younger diners.
The Brand Guild for Saucy! by KFC
“At Saucy! by KFC, our focus is simple: irresistible freshly prepared chicken tendies, unforgettable signature sauces to mix and match to find the perfect flavor, and a high-energy atmosphere that makes guests want to come back again and again,” Grosshans said.
What’s particularly unique about Saucy! is its next-level energy shift as the day turns to night. Starting at 8 p.m. daily, the lights dim and the music cranks, transforming the restaurant into a late-night hangout for “vibe dining” until the dining room and drive-thru close at 11 p.m. A late-night menu includes a Kitchen Sink Grand’ito, a large tortilla-wrapped, loaded burrito with chucks of chicken tenders, queso, fries and a fried egg.
The new Saucy! by KFC restaurant at 5088 Airport-Pulling Road N. in Naples replaces a former PDQ location and introduces the brand’s bold pink exterior design.
Tim Aten
Although the menu for Saucy! focuses on its chicken tendies, the secret is in its sauces, as the restaurant’s name implies. Its dozen options of globally inspired sauces include Chimichurri Ranch, Creole Honey Mustard, Korean Sweet Heat, Spicy Mango Chutney, Sweet Teriyaki and Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy. Other chicken tender menu items include bowls and salads, as well as burritos, sandwiches and tacos – promoted as Grand’itos, Sammies and Chick’itos. Puffies, the brand’s own dessert creations, are bite-size pastries dusted with sugar and served with sweet dipping sauces such as caramel, chocolate and raspberry.
Saucy! by KFC highlights its chicken tenders paired with a variety of globally inspired signature sauces, along with fries and other menu items
The Brand Guild for Saucy! by KFC
The Naples location of Saucy! is one of 13 locations of PDQ in Florida planned to be converted to the KFC fast-casual spinoff. PDQ in Naples shuttered last November after operating five years at the previous longtime site of Boston Market on an outparcel lot next to Applebee’s.
Since its Orlando debut in December 2024, Saucy! has rapidly grown across Florida, with six locations now open — four in Orlando and two in Tampa — with 10 more planned this year. The new Saucy! by KFC in Naples will be open daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. On March 24, guests are welcome to stop by for special giveaways and complimentary bites while supplies last.