Food and Beverage
KFC® and Hatch Invite You to Fall Asleep to the Sleep-Inducing Sound of Fried Chicken
Introducing “Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain,” inspired by the sound of New KFC Original Recipe® Tenders, available on Hatch Restore 2 smart sleep devices
LOUISVILLE, Ky. /PRNewswire/ — Did you ever think you’d use the expression, “I could just cozy up to the sound of fried chicken?” Well, from ASMR social media channels to film and television production set rumors, the internet has recently unearthed the humorous phenomenon that the sound of cooking fried chicken sounds almost identical to the soothing, sleep-inducing sound of rain falling.
To further investigate, Hatch, a sleep wellness company that creates premium sleep audio content, and KFC®, the “OG” of fried chicken, have come together to release a new “Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain” content channel that can help lull you to sleep. The custom sound is available on Restore 2 smart sleep devices with a Hatch+ premium content subscription beginning today. Fried chicken and ASMR lovers will also be able to access the new “Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain” sound on the Hatch for Sleep and KFC YouTube channels as well as the Hatch for Sleep Spotify page.
The inspiration for the content channel came straight from Louisville, KY, where Hatch visited KFC’s headquarters and test kitchen to learn more about and capture the real sound of fried chicken. Hatch employees worked alongside KFC’s food innovation team to record the soothing sounds of frying KFC’s new Original Recipe® Tenders.
“At Hatch, we take pride in producing the most effective audio for sleep. When we kept seeing social media posts about the similarity between frying chicken and rain, we decided to make the absolute best version of that audio” said Eric Pallotta, CMO at Hatch. “And who better than the OG fried chicken experts themselves, KFC, to do it with! We’re so excited to see our customers’ reactions to this fun, quirky content and can help them fall asleep to fried chicken right before bed without ever taking a bite.”
“The taste and smell of our secret blend of 11 herbs and spices may be iconic, but who knew the sound of that delicious chicken frying could help you fall asleep?” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, KFC’s U.S. Chief Marketing and Development Officer. “Now in addition to enjoying the taste of our new KFC Original Recipe® Tenders, people can drift off to sleep thanks to the soothing sound of frying, with the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain’ content channel on Hatch+.”
This unique brand partnership includes the new content offering, humorous “BTS” brand and social content from Hatch’s visit and recording session at the KFC test kitchen, along with co-branded products, including a Hatch x KFC Sleep Shirt, available for purchase at KFCShop.com. KFC Rewards* loyalty members will also be able to purchase a Hatch Restore 2 device at a special discount, so they can enjoy the content for themselves at home in bed (limit one per customer).
The Hatch x KFC partnership content is just one of the many offerings available in the Hatch+ premium audio library. From guided meditations to screen-free shows, to sleep stories and relaxing music, Hatch+ unlocks a world of sleep content options and offerings that can help the whole family get better rest.
KFC introduced its new KFC Original Recipe® Tenders nationwide on Oct. 14, with a bold battle cry to its tenders rivals. KFC’s new Original Recipe Tenders are double hand-breaded with KFC’s world-famous, top-secret blend of 11 herbs and spices and fried to golden perfection, making them deliciously crispy, juicy and flavorful. Fried chicken fans can score KFC’s new tenders at unbeatable value – for just $5**, customers will get three KFC Original Recipe® Tenders, Secret Recipe Fries and two of KFC’s signature sauces – customer’s choice of Comeback Sauce, Sticky Chicky, or KFC® Sauce.
*KFC Rewards program only available with online orders at participating KFC restaurants within the 50 U.S. states. Account creation required.
**Prices and participation may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, CA and third-party ordering websites. Tax, tip and fees extra.
About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., has been serving up Finger Lickin’ Good Original Recipe® fried chicken since 1952, including chicken on the bone, nuggets and tenders. Beyond the top secret 11 herbs & spices, KFC specialties include the KFC Chicken Sandwich, Extra Crispy™ chicken, KFC Famous Bowls®, Pot Pies, Secret Recipe Fries, biscuits and homestyle sides. There are over 30,000 KFC restaurants in 150 countries and territories around the world. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM). For more information, visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
About Hatch
At Hatch, we know great sleep, and we help the whole family learn better sleep habits. Hatch makes science-backed bedside smart sleep devices and creates original content to help people wind down, sleep deeply, and rise rested and relaxed. Led by Rest, the #1 baby registry item on Amazon, and Restore, our Award-winning adult sleep product, we have helped over 5 million sleepers of all ages find space for rest in their lives. Getting high quality sleep improves focus, energy, and performance no matter what you love to do in your life. Designed by experts and loved by wellness warriors, Hatch launched in 2014 by parent entrepreneurs Ann Crady Weiss and Dave Weiss, and was featured on “Shark Tank” in 2016. For more information, visit Hatch.co.
SOURCE Kentucky Fried Chicken; Hatch
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Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.
National Hot Chocolate Day
Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener like whipped cream or marshmallows. Hot chocolate made with melted chocolate is sometimes called drinking chocolate, characterized by less sweetness and a thicker consistency.
The first chocolate drink is believed to have been created by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago, and a cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, by which they referred to as xocōlātl.[2] The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used medicinally to treat ailments such as liver and stomach diseases.
Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations, including the spiced chocolate para mesa of Latin America, the very thick cioccolata calda served in Italy and chocolate a la taza served in Spain, and the thinner hot cocoa consumed in the United States. Prepared hot chocolate can be purchased from a range of establishments, including cafeterias, fast food restaurants, coffeehouses and teahouses. Powdered hot chocolate mixes, which can be added to boiling water or hot milk to make the drink at home, are sold at grocery stores and online. (wikipedia)
Links:
National Day Calendar: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hot-chocolate-day-january-31/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate
Visit our Food and Drink section: https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
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Food and Beverage
Win Your Watch Party with a Fan Favorite Dip
Game day hosts can elevate their celebrations with a 7-Layer Game Day Dip. This easy recipe combines refried beans, mashed avocados, seasoned sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, scallions, and olives for a delicious spread. Perfect with tortilla chips, it’s an ideal snack for enjoying during the big game. For more recipes, visit Culinary.net.
(Family Features) From the pregame party to kickoff and the final whistle, game day hosts know savory snacks are the key to victory. Celebrate the big game this season with a simple yet tasty spin on a football staple with this 7-Layer Game Day Dip. Featuring layers of refried beans, mashed avocados and seasoned sour cream topped with cheese, tomatoes, scallions and black olives, you can tackle a winning spread in next to no time.
Visit Culinary.net to find more strategies for serving victorious game day recipes.
7-Layer Game Day Dip
Recipe adapted from Love & Lemons
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 2 avocados
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained (optional)
- tortilla chips, for serving
- In medium bowl, stir refried beans and 1/2 cup salsa. In separate medium bowl, mash avocados with remaining salsa. Add bell peppers and lime juice; stir to combine. In third medium bowl, stir sour cream and taco seasoning.
- To assemble, spread refried bean mixture in bottom of baking dish. Spread avocado mixture evenly on top then spread sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese then top with diced tomatoes.
- Top dish with scallions and black olives, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Food and Beverage
Straw Hat Pizza: The Rise, Fall, and Nostalgic Legacy of a California Pizza Icon
Straw Hat Pizza was once a California pizza powerhouse. Explore the rise, decline, and nostalgic legacy of this beloved family pizza chain.
Long before pizza delivery apps, stuffed-crust gimmicks, and national chains on every corner, there was Straw Hat Pizza — a family-friendly, California-born pizza chain that helped define what “going out for pizza” meant for generations.
For many Californians, Straw Hat Pizza wasn’t just dinner. It was birthday parties, Little League celebrations, arcade games, salad bars, and the hum of a busy dining room packed with families. While the brand is far smaller today, its place in American food history is secure.
Humble Beginnings: A California Pizza Story
Straw Hat Pizza was founded in 1959 by Charlie Olson and Bill Henderlong. The first location opened in San Leandro, California, during a period when pizza was still becoming a mainstream American favorite.
The name came from the straw hats worn by pizza makers at early California pizzerias — a visual shortcut that told customers exactly what kind of place they were entering. Casual. Friendly. Pizza-focused.
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The Golden Years: 1960s Through the Early 1980s
Through the 1960s and 1970s, Straw Hat Pizza expanded rapidly across California and Nevada. By 1980, the chain reportedly operated more than 200 locations, becoming a staple in suburban shopping centers and family neighborhoods.
- Large dining rooms built for families and groups
- Arcade games and coin-operated attractions
- Salad bars — a defining feature of the era
- Party rooms for birthdays and team celebrations
The pizza leaned toward what we now call California-style: thin, layered crusts, generous toppings, and a menu designed for sharing. It was food meant to be eaten at a table, not rushed out the door.
Corporate Consolidation and Decline
In 1969, Straw Hat Pizza was sold to Saga Corporation, which later became part of Marriott Corporation. As restaurant consolidation accelerated in the 1980s, Straw Hat became caught in a wave of mergers and acquisitions.
By the late 1980s, many Straw Hat locations were sold to or converted by Pizza Hut. Franchise owners fought back, eventually retaining rights to the Straw Hat name and continuing operations independently — but the brand’s footprint was permanently reduced.
How Straw Hat Pizza Survived
Unlike many mid-century restaurant chains, Straw Hat Pizza never fully disappeared. Independent franchise owners reorganized, preserving the brand, recipes, and name. Today, a limited number of Straw Hat Pizza locations continue operating — primarily in California.
It is no longer a national competitor, but rather a regional legacy brand, sustained by nostalgia and loyal local customers.
Why Straw Hat Pizza Still Matters
Straw Hat Pizza represents an era when pizza parlors were community spaces — places to linger, celebrate, and connect. Its story mirrors the rise of suburban America and the transformation of pizza from novelty to cultural staple.
For many, the memory of Straw Hat Pizza is inseparable from childhood — the smell of baked dough, the sound of arcade machines, and the excitement of a shared pie arriving at the table.
The Nostalgia Revival
Vintage menus, matchbooks, and advertisements from Straw Hat Pizza frequently surface online, part of a broader resurgence of interest in retro restaurants. These artifacts remind us that regional chains once played a major role in shaping American food culture.
Straw Hat Pizza may no longer dominate California strip malls, but its legacy lives on — in memories, collectibles, and the handful of locations still serving slices under that iconic name.
Related Coverage on STM Daily News
External References & Further Reading
STM Daily News continues to explore the food history that shaped our communities — from vanished chains to local favorites that still define how we eat and gather.
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