This week many Oprah fans were left hungry as they headed for KFC wanting to redeem the coupons Oprah gave them for a free meal but came back empty handed as the restaurants were no longer honoring coupons.

Oprah's Chicken Giveaway left some outlets of the Louisville-based chain literally chicken-less as the chain was not able to meet the overwhelming demand for their free chicken.

Customers yesterday were asked to take a rain check for the new product saying it would be unable to offer the product, giving them the option to enjoy the meal later without the crowds.

KFC President Roger Eaton said Thursday; the company will mail coupons to customers in stages adding a free Pepsi to their meal.

According to KFC, the company has never had such a response to a special-meal offer. It's unprecedented in our more than 50 years, said KFC spokeswoman Laurie Schalow told the AP.

It beats anything we've ever done, she added.

On Tuesday May 5, Oprah offered her viewers a free coupon for two pieces of grilled chicken, two individual sides and a biscuit.

The coupons were made available for download for 24 hours from Oprah.com and are valid until May 19 excluding mother’s day.

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