Republic of Athens

Need a road repaired? Call KFC

KFC, the franchise formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, but whose name was officially changed on account of how long it takes to say “Kentucky Fried Chicken,” has stepped boldly into the realm of free publicity, cheap buzz, and corporate gimmickry, er, responsibility.

The city of Louisville has accepted an offer of $3,000 from the company to fill 300 potholes with asphalt and then paint over the newly patched holes with white lettering that reads: “Refreshed by KFC.”

A white-clad Colonel Sanders look-alike, replete with a cane, fluorescent safety vest, and pointy goatee, has been mugging it up for photo shoots with the city’s newly “refreshed” holes.

Not to be outdone in the battle for sensational public exposure, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), long-time opponents of the intensive factory-farming methods practiced by KFC suppliers, has offered to double KFC’s bid to fill potholes with a message that reads: “KFC TORTURES ANIMALS.”

So far PETA’s offer has been declined.