I’ve heard that the quality of KFC has diminished in the US (despite that being where it started) but doing well in other regions (like in Asia or Middle East) as the menu is adapted to their palate (food exclusives that don’t exist in the USA), even the marketing campaigns do differ based on region.
Japan has their own portrayal of Colonel Sanders, they even have a buffet in some locations than being just a fast food joint. Have you been to a KFC overseas? If so, how different is their menu (regarding the food they sell) or regional pricing (are prices cheaper than in the US)?
I’ve been to a KFC in Thailand, and the quality is much better than having it in the United States (I wonder why?). They have a spicy chicken bowl for example, even for what you’re getting: it’s cheaper for more items (while ripped off in the USA for barely any food on the tray).
The KFC near me in the U.S. wasn’t bad, I haven’t eaten out at all since the pandemic. Maybe because it was usually busy at lunch when I went, all the food was fresh. I used to get a breast, a side, a drink, and a cookie for $5, that was a decent lunch. If I went in outside of busy times, yeah, the food had obviously been sitting around for a while, but it was still good enough for five bucks.
Like all fast food, the quality can vary considerably from store to store, and region to region.
That $5 deal is long gone and will cost you ~15 these days.