It really is 'free chicken day' at KFC

Get one free piece of KFC chicken all day Monday, Oct. 26, at participating restaurants nationwide.

This new free chicken giveaway follows a failed coupon campaign in June, where two KFC customers sued. This one, according to  random samplings, is the real deal - though you may not get the piece of chicken you're after.

The free piece selection is "at manager's choice." For example, the clerk at the KFC near Portland's Hollywood District, at 4835 N.E. Sandy Blvd., gave free grilled thighs in addition to the two full-meal orders in line.

"It's free chicken day at KFC, so everyone gets a free grilled piece," said the clerk cheerfully. The recipients seemed surprised.

The next order, for two apple pies at $1 and a specific request for the chicken, got a rather small grilled leg.

This new free chicken giveaway follows a failed coupon campaign in June. The campaign offered free grilled meals to anyone who printed out up to four free coupons, but failed to ask for information it could later use in marketing. The campaign was disbanded - announced on expensive television ads and blamed on "computer tampering" - only a few days into the meal giveaway.

As a result, two KFC customers from California reportedly sued in June - calling the campaign a "bait and switch."

Stop by the KFC site to search for the restaurant nearest you. Save your receipt; you'll need the code on it to enter KFC's "Grand a Day Giveaway" online.