• I visited KFC's spin-off restaurant, Saucy, that's all about chicken tenders and dipping sauces.
• The first Saucy location is in Orlando, and I'd definitely go back for its delicious food.
• The restaurant's crispy chicken tenders and tasty sauces felt like an excellent value.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has a new spin-off in town that's all about chicken tenders and dips — and it's called Saucy.

The restaurant's first location opened in Orlando in late December, about 90 minutes away from my home.

Although I couldn't tell you the last time I went to KFC, I was excited to try Saucy, as it's a concept the chain hopes to expand around the country.

Here's what it was like and why I'll absolutely be back.

Unsurprisingly, Saucy is all about sauce.

The stars of the menu at Saucy are the chicken tenders and the 11 dipping sauces. The number of sauces is a nod to the 11 herbs and spices in KFC's original fried-chicken recipe.

Saucy sauces include: chimichurri ranch, peri-peri ranch, jalapeño-pesto ranch, smoky bacon ranch, Thai sweet and spicy, Sweet 'N Saucy BBQ, Saucy's Sauce, spicy mango chutney, Saucy ranch, Creole honey mustard, and sweet teriyaki.

Otherwise, the menu is fairly short and simple, with a slew of non-alcoholic beverages, a few chicken sandwiches, two desserts, and sides like toasted Hawaiian rolls and coleslaw.

We decided to eat inside the restaurant.

Although Saucy has a drive-thru, we chose to dine in. I'm glad we did: Saucy feels like a 100% modern twist on its Kentucky-fried roots.

I loved its funky decor, which was bright with shades of pink and hints of red that seemed to pay homage to KFC.

With its futuristic light pendants and cool sculptures resembling dripping sauce, Saucy had a vibe all its own and felt very different from the KFC dining rooms of my youth.

The ordering process was automated and simple.

Ordering at Saucy was easy and contactless.

We used one of several touchscreens to order, paid at the kiosk, and then waited for our name to be called so we could collect our food.

We got a lot of food for under $40.

My husband and I were able to try everything we wanted to at Saucy for under $40.

We ordered a six-tender box combo ($16) that came with two sauces, fries, coleslaw, and a toasted Hawaiian roll; a Key-lime-cake dessert ($4); an extra coleslaw ($2); two tropical black teas ($4); a spicy-queso-crunch sandwich ($5); and nine additional sauces (49 cents each).

The tenders were delicious.

We got our tenders with crinkle-cut fries and a toasted Hawaiian roll, though we could've also chosen coleslaw as a side.

Saucy's tenders are apparently made using the same recipe as KFC's. Still, I thought the tenders I got at Saucy seemed plumper, moister, and crispier than any I remember getting on past KFC runs.

We were impressed by many of Saucy's menu items, including all 11 dipping sauces.

Our meal at Saucy was nothing short of incredible — truly the kind of fast food that tasted like it could've been from a sit-down restaurant.

Nothing we had was overly greasy, and the tasty sauces made our dining experience even more enjoyable. I liked that there seemed to be one for everyone, from several ranch-based dips and classics like barbecue sauce to even Asian-inspired delights.

Although we had some clear favorite sauces, there wasn't a single one we didn't enjoy.

The sandwich we ordered was great but not necessary.

My husband also got the spicy-queso-crunch chicken sandwich ($5).

We liked the crunchy, battered chicken tender topped with queso sauce and spicy peppers on a buttery Hawaiian roll. Still, we'd probably skip it next time. The tenders and many dipping sauces were the clear stars of our meal.

The dessert in a can was easy to share.

Saucy had both a chocolate and Key-lime cake available for dessert, and both were served in a plastic can.

We chose the latter, which cost $4. It was the perfect size, especially considering how full we were from our meal.

I liked the citrusy icing and cake layers and felt this was a wonderful sweet ending to our meal. Plus, the spoonable cake was easy to share.

My top five sauces came home with my leftovers.

When we'd dipped and nibbled until we had no room left in our stomachs, it was time to pack up our leftovers to take home.

Our to-go container had room for just five sauces, so we kept our favorites: jalapeño-pesto ranch and per-peri ranch, two spicy and flavorful dips we really loved; smoky bacon ranch, our favorite of the ranch-based dips; and sweet teriyaki and Thai sweet and spicy, which were packed with tons of flavor and sweet twists.

I can't wait to go back to Saucy for more chicken-dipping fun.

As a lover of chicken tenders, I was smitten with Saucy. The food was really good, and dipping delicious fried chicken tenders in all of those sauces was tons of fun.

Our meal also felt surprisingly affordable, especially since we got far more food than the two of us could finish — and next time, we'd order less.

Based on my finger-lickin'-good experience, I'd definitely go back to Saucy, even if its only location is a 90-minute drive from me.

If you're visiting Orlando, I suggest treating yourself to a little culinary sauce journey at Saucy. Hopefully, though, more locations will open soon.

• Four Americans shared how a six-figure salary affected their lives.
• Higher salaries have helped them travel, pay off student debt, and improve their relationships.
• However, landing a higher salary came with long hours and more responsibilities.

Landing a higher salary can be life-changing, said four Americans who've reached this pay threshold over the past decade.

Due to rising prices in the past few years, a six-figure income doesn't go as far as it used to, but for many people, it's allowed them to splurge on travel or establish financial security.

Most Americans aren't six-figure earners: The average annual salary for full-time workers was about $82,000 as of November, the latest data available, per a New York Fed survey.

Business Insider asked four people who've made more than $100,000 annually about the biggest benefits of having a six-figure income. BI has verified their six-figure earnings.

The perks include enhanced relationships

David Houde first earned a six-figure income in 2015. This year, he's earning roughly $144,000 annually as a software engineer. The 48-year-old, who's based in Michigan, said boosting his earnings made him less hesitant to spend money.

"Even when grocery shopping, I used to try to keep a running tab of what I was spending," he said. "When I felt like it was getting too high, I'd start making decisions on what I could put off until the next time."

House said he occasionally relied on credit cards to purchase items, which accrued debt when he couldn't pay off the balance. Now he has enough money to not only pay off his credit card but have plenty left over.

Christopher Stroup, who first made $100,000 in 2014, said the pay bump helped him pay off his student debt.

The 33-year-old, who's based in California, said his income also enhanced his relationships with friends and family. He can afford to regularly travel with them or dine out at restaurants with them.

"I even have an annual goal to make it to Europe at least once," he added. "None of that would be possible if I weren't earning at this level."

Additionally, Stroup started his own financial planning business: He launched it in September after leaving his job in August. He said he's had to put a lot of money into his startup, but that he'd saved enough in recent years to both invest in his business and meet everyday expenses. He said he expects to earn over $100,000 in combined income this year from his prior job as a financial advisor and his business.

The perks can come with more responsibilities

Corritta Lewis first earned a six-figure income in 2018 and said her salary has doubled over the past few years. In 2023, she earned roughly $280,000 across her consulting job and a travel blog she runs on the side.

The 35-year-old, who's based in Orlando, told BI the extra income has allowed her and her wife to travel the world, plan for early retirement, and save for their son's future.

"We both graduated with crushing student loan debt that delayed our lives, so we want to ensure he is not in that situation," she said.

However, there is a significant downside to her higher income: "lack of time," Lewis said. Rising up the pay ladder has required her to sometimes put in long hours. The end of the year tends to be a particularly busy time — she said she's recently been working between 50 and 60 hours a week.

"I do not have as much free time to spend with my family," she said, adding, "I am trading my time today to reach a specific retirement goal."

She said she hopes to be able to pivot to part-time work in a few years after growing her savings further.

Similarly, for John, a millennial based in California, making more money has come with additional responsibilities.

He first earned a six-figure income in 2018 working in the IT sector and is on track to earn roughly $250,000 this year across a full-time and part-time job, both of which are remote.

John said one of the biggest impacts of his six-figure income is that he's been able to help out his family financially.

"I pay for my mom's rent and for the majority of my sister's medical expenses," said John. His identity is known to BI, but he asked to use a pseudonym due to fears of professional repercussions.

Even with these additional expenses, John said he has enough money for himself and worries less about his finances than he did earlier in his life.

"I could afford a decent quality of life without having to look at the prices of things, he said. "Given that I don't have a college degree, this was very freeing for me."

Are you making over $100,000 a year? Are you willing to share your story and the impact this income has had on your life? If so, contact this reporter at [email protected].

• Five people who earn more than $100,000 annually shared how they're spending their money.
• They're trying to balance spending on big purchases with saving for future goals.
• Some have spent money on a new car or travel, while others have invested in a home or startup.

For some, earning a six-figure income can facilitate a big splurge. For others, it's an opportunity to establish additional income streams or financial security.

Abid Salahi earns about $140,000 a year from his software engineering job. The 26-year-old, based in Vancouver, said his biggest purchase over the past year was a new car that cost roughly $37,000. Additionally, Salahi said he upgraded his home workspace.

Despite his earnings, one thing has been out of his reach: owning a home. The houses in his area that check his boxes cost more than $500,000. To afford a down payment, Salahi said he's saving and being more judicious about how much he spends dining out and at the grocery store.

Reaching a six-figure salary can be a challenge for some employees. The average annual salary for US-based full-time workers was about $82,000 as of November, the latest data available, per a New York Fed survey. Some workers who earn more than six figures have used the opportunity to set themselves up for potential future success.

Business Insider asked five people who've made more than $100,000 annually what they've spent their money on in recent years. BI has verified their six-figure earnings.

Balancing spending now and saving for the future

Earning a six-figure income has also created new opportunities for John, who's on track to earn roughly $250,000 this year by balancing a full-time and part-time remote IT role.

The millennial, who's based in California, said one of his biggest expenses over the past year was his sister's medical bills, which were about $30,000, he said.

When he spends money on himself, he focuses on fun and health. He hired a personal trainer, who charges about $130 weekly for a one-hour session. Last year, he spent about $9,000 on a three-week honeymoon in Asia.

While he's trying to take advantage of his money in the present, John said he's also prioritized saving for the future.

"I follow a concept of 'pay yourself first' — where I put money into retirement and savings first, and then the rest is disposable," said John. His identity is known to BI, but he asked to use a pseudonym due to fears of professional repercussions.

Looking forward, John said he's saving money for the children he hopes to have one day, a bigger car, and a home.

Corritta Lewis is also balancing spending now while saving for the future. Last year, Lewis earned roughly $280,000 from her consulting job and a travel blog she runs as a side hustle. The 35-year-old, who's based in Orlando, said she and her wife spend most of their disposable income on travel.

"We've been digital nomads for four years, so most of our money was used to travel the world and have amazing experiences," she said.

Despite her travel expenses, Lewis said she doesn't live a luxurious lifestyle and is focused on long-term saving. She aims to work part-time hours by her 40th birthday.

"Right now, we are prioritizing savings and investments," she said.

Investing in themselves and real estate

Margaret Pattillo took home around $128,000 last year from her digital marketing and PR business. The 27-year-old, who's based in Florida, said she's on track to earn more than $160,000 this year.

Pattillo used her earnings to buy a home earlier this year and has plans to buy a second home as an investment property. She tries to use her money to create additional income streams that will set her up for future financial success.

"I don't place much value in material items and I'm lucky that I get to travel for work frequently," she said. "I'd say my biggest goal is to build up as many cash-flowing assets as I can in the next 10 years."

Christopher Stroup has put his earnings toward a different type of investment: a new business.

Stroup earned roughly $130,000 last year working as a financial advisor. The 33-year-old, who's based in California, said his income has helped him improve his relationships with friends and family by giving him the budget to go out to eat and on trips. He said his goal is to travel to Europe at least once a year.

Over the past year, Stroup said the biggest thing he's spent his money on is the financial planning business he launched in September. He said his startup costs have included marketing expenses and hiring a team. However, he hopes the investment in his business will put him in an even better financial position.

"If it works out well, achieving my financial goals on my desired timeline has a much higher probability of happening," he said, adding that two of his main goals are owning a home and starting a family.

Are you making over $100,000 a year? Are you willing to share your story and the impact this income has had on your life? If so, contact this reporter at [email protected].

• I've been visiting Universal and Disney World during the holidays for almost a decade.
• Both destinations offer festive activities at different price points.
• Right now, Universal seems to offer the best overall value.

Since moving to Florida with my family eight years ago, we've spent every holiday season visiting Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Both offer theme parks, resorts, and entertainment districts filled with holiday activities and events. There's truly something for every budget, whether you want to walk around Disney Springs' Christmas trees for free or purchase a VIP holiday tour at Universal.

This year, I spent nights at the resorts' movie-themed parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios Florida, to compare their holiday offerings.

I attended Jollywood Nights, an after-hours holiday party at Hollywood Studios.

Disney World is known for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, but this is the second year for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

The after-hours event runs for five hours on select nights and includes perks like short ride times, party-exclusive food, and the opportunity to meet rare Disney characters.

It also requires a separate ticket, but it can be slightly more affordable — Magic Kingdom's event costs between $180 and $220 for adults, and Jollywood Nights goes for $160 to $180.

This is all separate from daytime park admission. One-day, single-park tickets for this month start at about $150.

At Universal, I spent time on my own and did a holiday tour.

Universal's holiday tour is a must-do for me every season.

My $100 ticket included five hours with a tour guide, special meet-and-greets, dinner, dessert, and more. It's the only way to meet Santa at Universal Orlando, although he does appear nightly in a holiday parade.

The tour is less expensive than the Disney events, but unlike those, it requires a park ticket — a one-day, single-park ticket costs about $120 right now. Luckily, I have an annual pass, so I was able to use that and skip this added cost.

I also spent time at Universal before check-in to explore some of the holiday offerings on my own.

At Disney, characters were dressed in their holiday best.

Getting photos with characters is one of my favorite parts of visiting theme parks, so I was sure to line up for some of the party-exclusive meet-and-greets at Jollywood Nights, like Disney's Duffy Bear dressed as Santa.

However, you don't have to have an event ticket to meet holiday-themed characters. Some characters, like Chip and Dale and Woody, are out in their holiday best all day at Hollywood Studios.

At Universal, Grinchmas was in full swing.

Universal goes full Grinch during the holiday season, with offerings like a Grinch meet-and-greet, a character breakfast with the mean one himself, and the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show.

From sweet treats to merchandise, you'll see the green guy all over the park.

Earl the Squirrel, a Universal character inspired by a real-life squirrel who used to live in the park's Christmas tree, is also a main figure of the season.

Hollywood Studios guests can see a Christmassy version of "Frozen."

There were Jollywood Nights-specific entertainment offerings at my event — like a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sing-along — there are also holiday happenings for daytime park guests.

The popular "Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration" show gets a special holiday revamp, and Santa also greets guests at It's A Wonderful Shop.

Universal's Grinch show is pure holiday joy.

There's no greater holiday joy for me than watching the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show, starring the Grinch, every Who down in Whoville, and a real-life version of Max (the dog).

Anyone with a regular park admission can see the Broadway-quality performance, which features songs by Mannheim Steamroller. It runs several times every day throughout the holiday season.

The park also has a special holiday parade that features Dreamworks characters, floats, entertainers, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.

Disney scored high marks for its festive menus.

The holiday food at Disney truly can't be rivaled.

I noshed on lots of things you can only get during Jollywood Nights, like kimchi-pimento-cheese dip and tot poutine, but festive foods are available at the park during the day as well.

From a red-velvet holiday shake to a winter-spiced whoopie pie, Disney has plenty of only-seen-at-Christmas foods to try.

If you're looking for worthwhile treats, try another Universal festival.

Universal has some holiday-themed treats, like Max-shaped cookies and a roasted-turkey-dinner crepe, but I didn't think there were too many options.

If you're looking to really experience delicious festival food at Universal, you'll want to visit during Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, when the park is filled with stands selling tasty themed bites.

It's so much fun to shop for holiday merchandise.

Choosing a theme-park souvenir is tough on any vacation, but it's even harder for me during the holidays.

Almost every Hollywood Studios' giftshop was taken over by Mickey ornaments and cozy holiday sweatshirts. There were also special pop-up areas selling even more festive items.

Universal's holiday cheer is also clear in its shops.

Like Disney World, Universal goes all out with holiday-themed merch.

This is especially true for the themed lands, like Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both "Grinchmas" and "Holidays at Hogsmeade" release fun limited-time offerings this time of year.

There's stunning holiday decor at Disney.

Disney goes all out, adorning Hollywood Studios with vintage Hollywood-glam decorations like star-lit lamp posts and sparkly ornaments and lights.

You'll even find fake snow made of soap, dubbed "snoap." It's really beautiful to watch it fall over the decorated theme park without having to feel freezing cold — a win-win.

Universal also goes all out with decor.

From the 80-foot tree in the New York area to its Holiday Tribute Store filled with limited-time merchandise, Universal's Christmas decor is truly something to behold.

It also produces plenty of snoap, so you don't have to worry about missing out on that magic.

Overall, I think Universal is a better value around he holidays.

Disney and Universal hold special places in my heart after years of building family memories in both.

Still, I think Universal is a better value during the holidays since a regular park ticket gets guests way more seasonal activities for their money.

Although I added on the VIP tour and recommend it, it's not actually necessary. Everyone can meet characters like the Grinch and Earl the Squirrel, watch the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular," and catch the parade.

Disney keeps many of its best holiday activities in its separate, ticketed events, which can be costly, especially if you're also planning on spending the day at the parks.