Brand Image and Local Community Engagement: KFC Buckshaw Village

When KFC announced it was opening a new restaurant in Buckshaw Village, Chorley, some local residents expressed concern over the impact on the village’s image. However, 1st Rate Investment, the team behind this and other successful restaurant projects across the North West, had a clear vision for integrating the global brand into the local community while delivering a high-quality experience for customers.

Green Man Marketing was approached to help strengthen the local brand image of KFC Buckshaw Village, engage residents, and ensure the restaurant was welcomed as a positive addition to the village.

The Challenge

The project required careful planning and communication to address local concerns and demonstrate that KFC could positively contribute to the community. Key objectives included:

• Engaging with local residents and building trust

• Supporting local employment and initiatives

• Promoting the restaurant’s high-quality food and service

• Ensuring the store was viewed as a valuable addition to Buckshaw Village

Our Approach

Green Man Marketing implemented a strategic plan combining social media engagement, community initiatives, and in-store messaging to build a strong local presence for KFC Buckshaw Village.

We researched local concerns and feedback online, identifying that residents wanted to feel included in the restaurant’s launch. To address this, we coordinated with the KFC team to involve a Buckshaw Village resident in opening the restaurant, allowing them and their family to serve the first meal. This personal touch helped local people feel connected to the new store from day one.

Inside the store, signage was carefully designed to reflect the friendly, welcoming environment while highlighting the work of the team behind the scenes. Outside the store, we shared updates via social media and the Friends of Buckshaw Village community magazine, introducing the staff and showing the progress of the restaurant’s build to keep the community informed and engaged.

Local Initiative

To further support community engagement, we created a high-quality branded tote bag for residents. One side featured the slogan “What’s Cluckin Buckshaw Village”, and the other read “I’m A Friend Of Buckshaw Village | Promoting Local, Supporting Local.”

Hundreds of bags were hand-delivered to residents, who could claim them via our community magazine or website. This initiative not only acted as a unique advertising campaign for the store but also demonstrated the restaurant’s commitment to giving back to the local community.

Results

The launch of KFC Buckshaw Village was a huge success. In the first three days, the restaurant became the highest-grossing KFC in the UK and Ireland. Within the first week, the team prepared over 8,000 pieces of Original Recipe Chicken and more than 10,000 mini fillets.

Feedback from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents who were initially hesitant about the opening have since embraced the restaurant, which remains a popular and valued part of Buckshaw Village.

Why It Worked

This project highlights Green Man Marketing’s ability to combine community engagement, local marketing, and brand management to ensure the success of national and regional businesses. By understanding local sentiment, creating meaningful initiatives, and communicating effectively, we helped KFC Buckshaw Village become both a business and community success story.

Get in Touch

If your business is launching a new location, opening a store, or looking to engage local communities effectively, Green Man Marketing can help. We offer tailored marketing solutions, community engagement campaigns, and brand strategy services to deliver real results.

Email: info@greenmanmarketing.co.uk | Phone: 01257 834 586