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KFC is testing a new design, menu, and technology at 16 restaurantsKFC is testing a new design, menu, and technology at 16 restaurants

The restaurants have yielded improved scores for speed of service, accuracy, and overall customer satisfaction

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

August 21, 2024

2 Min Read
KFC original prototype
KFC is testing new features in 16 Orlando, Fla.-based restaurants.Photo courtesy of KFC

Sixteen Orlando, Fla.-area KFC restaurants may seem a little different than the rest of the system. That’s because the chain announced today it is testing a new “KFC Original” prototype complete with streamlined menus, new technology, and a new design.

The restaurants include signature KFC offerings, as well as new Original Recipe Tenders, dipping sauces, and frozen beverages. Classic and Spicy Twister Wraps are also available, with two chicken tenders, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and KFC’s pepper mayo or spicy sauce. Other changes to the restaurants include:

  • Digital menu boards, making it easier for the customers to navigate. These already exist at other locations, but are not in a majority of the system. 

  • Digital ordering kiosks, making it easier for the customers to order

  • Upgraded kitchen technology, such as a kitchen display system to improve accuracy

  • New décor: Updated interior design elements, including KFC Original window art, “Stay Original” branding throughout the interior, Colonel-inspired dining chairs, and updated artwork

  • New uniforms: With updated visors, aprons, and “Stay Original” shirts, which were inspired by team members themselves.

  • New tunes: Playing inside and at the drive-thru

  • Improved drive-thru experience: An updated, streamlined drive-thru experience with easier-to-read menu boards

Related:KFC is testing a new twist on its signature Twister

Many of the restaurants began transitioning earlier this summer, yielding 30% faster speed of service, a 60% improvement in order accuracy, and a 41% improvement in guest satisfaction scores, according to the company.

“We’ve listened to our guests and heard what they love about KFC – the unmistakable taste of our Original Recipe fried chicken made hot and fresh with a dose of modern southern hospitality,” president Tarun Lal said in a statement. “These technology upgrades are making the jobs of our team members easier so that they can provide the best fried chicken and the very best service to guests. A streamlined, signature menu plus new modern restaurant technology equals a better team member and guest experience.”

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

 

 

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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