KFC Australia is creating a culinary portal to the 1980s with an extraordinary pop-up restaurant experience that merges fast food nostalgia with Netflix's Stranger Things universe. The temporary establishment, dubbed Hawkins Fried Chicken, will materialise deep within Sydney's abandoned Wynyard Station tunnels for two days only.
A Journey to Hawkins Through Fried Chicken
The immersive dining experience will transport guests straight to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, perfectly recreating a 1980s diner atmosphere. Running on November 28 and 29 from 12pm, the event offers free entry and complimentary menu items to lucky visitors who secure a spot.
Attendees will descend into the subterranean space and find themselves enveloped in the show's iconic Upside Down realm. The venue will feature classic 80s tunes playing from a vintage jukebox, retro arcade games, and meticulously designed decor that mirrors the show's 1987 setting.
Revived Classics and Strange New Creations
The menu showcases both nostalgic revivals and innovative new offerings that pay homage to the collaboration. KFC is bringing back beloved 80s items including The Works Burger and 80s Bean Salad, giving long-time fans a taste of history.
The centrepiece of the culinary experience is the new Upside Down Doubles burger, featuring two of KFC's signature Original Crispy fillets with a soft bun layered between them. The creation is completed with crispy bacon, cheese, and a generous serving of the mysteriously named Stranger Sauce.
Beyond the headline burger, the pop-up will also serve Original Recipe Chicken buckets and new Saucy Wings from KFC's secret menu, offering a comprehensive taste experience for attendees.
National Rollout and Charitable Elements
For those unable to visit the Sydney pop-up, KFC has announced nationwide availability of the Upside Down Double burger starting December 2. However, the company emphasises this will be for a limited time only, creating urgency for fans across Australia.
The event also features an exclusive merchandise range combining Stranger Things and KFC branding. Available items include denim jackets, t-shirts, caps and jumpers that collectors will covet.
Proceeds from merchandise sales will support youth mental health initiatives through the KFC Youth Foundation. The foundation partners with ReachOut Australia and Black Dog Institute to deliver crucial support services to young people across the country.
Vanessa Rowed, Chief Marketing Officer at KFC Australia, expressed excitement about the collaboration: "We're absolutely thrilled to unite the passionate KFC and Stranger Things fandoms through our immersive Hawkins Fried Chicken experience and by bringing the deliciously strange Upside Down Double to restaurants nationwide."
Located in Wynyard Station, guests can find the pop-up by entering via the Carrington Street entrance at Wynyard Park, descending the escalators, and looking for a nondescript door across from Coles Central Wynyard Express. Fans are encouraged to pre-reserve their free spots online to avoid missing this unique culinary crossover event.
