Four Time Award Winning Entrepreneur for Community Leadership and Recognized Innovator in the Tech Space.
When the world learned that Melissa Cash would become the new Chief Marketing Officer of KFC, most of the discussion focused on her move from Wingstop. The more important story is what her leadership represents. Ms. Cash will oversee digital strategy, consumer insights, and e commerce marketing. These are now the driving forces of growth in 2025.
The message is clear. Technology and data are no longer optional. They are the foundation of survival and long term success.
What KFC Is Teaching Us
KFC is facing declining sales and has launched its Kentucky Fried Comeback Plan. The plan focuses on leadership and strategy that prioritize technology and customer understanding.
Key actions include:
• Appointing new executives such as Chief Digital and Technology Officer and Chief Growth Officer.
• Making analytics, personalization, and digital discovery a priority.
• Expanding online ordering and improving customer engagement.
KFC knows that the brand that understands its customers best what they buy, when they buy, and what motivates them will win both attention and loyalty.
Why This Matters for Local Businesses
Local restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets often believe they cannot compete with global corporations. In reality, success is not about size but about adopting the right mindset.
Ask yourself:
• Do I track repeat customers and their buying habits?
• Am I using tools such as text clubs, email lists, or loyalty apps?
• Do I test promotions and measure which ones are effective?
• Is my online ordering system convenient and simple for customers?
If the answer is no, then you are navigating blindly while competitors are making data driven decisions.
The TrendCatch Takeaway
Local businesses can follow this playbook without large budgets. What matters is consistency and the use of practical tools.
Start with small, powerful steps:
• Use free or low cost customer relationship management and loyalty apps.
• Partner with platforms that provide analytics, such as TrendCatch LiveBoards, which deliver monthly impressions and audience reach.
• Collect email addresses or phone numbers at every transaction.
• Review your data each month to understand what is working and adjust strategies accordingly.
Final Lesson
KFC is restructuring its leadership around technology and data because the future depends on it. Local businesses that take these same steps today will not only survive they will lead in their communities and build the path to long term growth.
Local Business Owners
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