Fast food titan KFC has pulled off one of the most intriguing marketing stunts of the year, launching a top-secret, free pop-up diner hidden deep within an abandoned tunnel beneath Sydney's bustling Wynyard Station.
The Secret Location and How to Find It
For just two days, on Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29, the mysterious Hawkins Fried Chicken diner is opening its doors to the public. The catch? There is no signage, and the entrance is concealed behind a nondescript door. The only way to gain entry is to successfully locate it.
While pre-registered fans received direct instructions, all advance tickets were quickly snapped up. However, there is still hope for walk-in guests, who will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those attempting the urban treasure hunt, the journey begins at the Carrington Street entrance of Wynyard station. After taking the escalator down one level, look for a wall opposite a major supermarket. Among several unmarked doors, the one to seek is positioned next to a digital billboard showing a KFC advertisement. A knock on this heavy, plain door is your ticket to potentially stepping into a 1980s time warp.
Stepping into The Upside Down
Inspired by the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, the activation is a masterclass in nostalgia with a sinister twist. The initial area sets the 80s scene with a retro display, but things quickly get strange with upside-down KFC buckets and TVs emitting nothing but static snow.
Visitors then pass a glowing neon sign heralding the show's fifth and final season, accompanied by a lineup of classic BMX bikes, fully immersing guests in the world of Hawkins, Indiana.
Festoon lighting guides the way to the main attraction: The Hawkins Fried Chicken diner. The space is a perfect replica of a vintage KFC, complete with red dining booths, patterned wallpaper, retro posters, arcade games, and a jukebox pumping out classic 80s tunes.
The Free Feast and Eerie Exit
Every guest receives a food coupon for a completely free meal. The menu features two burger choices. The standout is the limited-edition Upside Double Down, an inverted creation where two Original Crispy fillets act as the bun, sandwiching a soft burger bun, crispy bacon, cheese, and the new Stranger Sauce. The alternative is The Works Burger, a revived 80s classic that includes a pineapple ring. Each meal also comes with a side of Original Recipe chicken, chips, and a soft drink.
After dining, the adventure continues as staff guide visitors into The Upside Down. This section of the tunnel is transformed into the show's terrifying parallel dimension, with moody lighting, projected videos, and the sinister, slime-covered tentacles of the Demogorgon snaking through the environment. The final section features eerily cocooned street signs and lockers, all set to the iconic sound of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill'.
For those who miss the exclusive pop-up, the Upside Double Down burger will be available in KFC stores nationwide from December 2. Additionally, a range of exclusive Stranger Things x KFC merchandise is now available online, with all proceeds supporting youth mental health through the KFC Youth Foundation.
