Chicago, IL: A judge in Chicago has ruled that four lawsuits filed against KFC and Yum Brands Inc can proceed, alleging a "plausible claim for common law fraud."
The suits stemmed from the KFC Free Chicken and Sides promotion that took place in May 2009. The promotion was supposed to run for two weeks during which time people could claim a free meal worth $3.99, upon presentation of the appropriate coupon. However, KFC was inundated by the number of people, and closed the promotion after just two days. It issued 'raincheck coupons' to people who held valid a Free Chicken and Sides coupon, for redemption at a later date.
Over 10 million coupons were issued, and about 5.7 million people were allegedly denied free meals, worth an estimated $22 million. The plaintiffs allege violations of consumer protection laws in Illinois, Michigan and California. They're seeking class action certification together with compensatory and punitive damages of at least $25 million.
