KFC South Africa has opened a new restaurant in Pinelands, a suburb of the rich garden city of the Western Cape, with advanced technology that enables faster and easier service.

The store is the first African grocery chain to feature a digital menu board on each of its two-lane driveways. It also features a self-service kiosk for carry-on guests, a designated window for delivery drivers, a digital menu board, and the latest im-connect kitchen technology.

In a statement released on Wednesday, KFC South Africa said in consultation with local architects that it aims to emphasize the corners of the parking lot where the brand will be built, while respecting the existing structure.

“The restaurant is designed to be fresh and striking in appearance with a strong contrast in the dark grey vs the white, with strong pops of red and the warmth of wood to create a striking, attractive restaurant which compliments its context while being on-brand,” it said.

Thuthuka Nxumalo, Chief Operating Officer of KFC Africa, said “The sum of this design puts the power of ordering and food fulfillment in the hands of the customer as well as gives employees an opportunity to focus on the back of [the] house and getting food out quicker. This culminates in a superior customer experience.”

Nxumalo also  stated that the restaurant business is changing and entering a new era of customer experience, ensuring a new approach to restaurants. He states that this is driven by changing customer preferences and expectations of what the brand should currently offer, in terms of food, design, or experience.

Thuthuka Nxumalo said the business created another  employment opportunity for the local community by hiring 25 team members with the ability to hire at least 5 people from Khayelitsha’s local township community. As KFC South Africa  expands its reach, it says it will continue its Add Hope program, which provides more than 150 000, meals a month to children in need to help fight hunger in the country.

“After years of looking for a site within Pinelands we feel we have found the perfect location that provides ease of access to customers as well as delivers on our ability to showcase modern franchising, while placing the community at the heart of the build and success,” he added.