Core Viewpoint - The pricing discrepancy between iced and hot soy milk at KFC has sparked widespread consumer outrage and discussions on social media, questioning the rationale behind the higher price for iced soy milk [1][2][3] Pricing Discrepancy - Consumers are confused about the pricing, with some humorously questioning if ice is worth an extra yuan, while others seriously consider it as a form of hidden charges [2][3] - KFC staff confirmed that the price difference has always existed, attributing it to different cup sizes and capacities, although specific measurements were not provided [2][6] Customer Complaints - KFC has faced a surge in customer complaints, with over 20,000 complaints reported, primarily concerning food quality, service attitude, and after-sales service [6][7] - Issues reported include foreign objects in food, stale ingredients, incorrect orders, and poor service response, leading to a negative consumer experience [6][7] Sales Performance - Despite quality control issues, KFC continues to expand aggressively, with sales growth primarily driven by store openings rather than organic growth [8][9] - In the first half of 2025, KFC's sales increased by 4%, with total revenue reaching $4.342 billion, while same-store sales remained flat [8][9] Store Expansion - KFC's store count reached 12,238 by mid-2025, with a net addition of 295 stores in the second quarter [9] - The proportion of franchise stores among new openings has increased significantly, with a target of 40-50% for future new stores [10] New Brand Initiatives - KFC is diversifying its offerings by launching new sub-brands, including specialized fried chicken stores named "Fried Chicken Brothers" [11][12][13] - The company is adapting to market changes, although some consumers feel that KFC is lagging in innovation compared to its past product development successes [13]