KFC launched a new restaurant concept and is piloting a new menu, new technology, new décor and more in 16 Orlando-area restaurants in Central Florida. West Orlando News got an exclusive look and even got to spend some time in the kitchen with local employees.
KFC’s new restaurant concept was clear the moment you walk in the door, offering a new look and dining experience. The staff worked like a true team in the kitchen, and the Goldenrod Road location’s Restaurant General Manager Antonio Guerrero proved to be a hands-on leader who could even train West Orlando News staff on how to cook finger lickin’ good fried chicken.
For over 70 years, KFC has been the “OG” of fried chicken serving up the Original Recipe® of 11 herbs and spices. Now, with a nod to its status as the original, KFC has transformed 16 Orlando restaurants into “KFC Original” locations with streamlined signature menus, cutting-edge technology and upgraded service to deliver faster, friendlier and even more finger lickin’ good fried chicken.
The overall updated menu is designed to enable faster service and increased order accuracy. Cooks hand-bread and fry smaller batches of KFC’s Original Recipe fried chicken more frequently, resulting in hotter, freshly prepared chicken.
“It’s about delivering on KFC’s original promise of the best-tasting fried chicken, made hot and fresh, at great value, served quickly and consistently, by people who are kind and hospitable,” said KFC U.S. President Tarun Lal. “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.”
KFC Original’s streamlined, signature menu focuses on the Original Recipe perfected by Colonel Sanders in 1940. The menu includes most of the world-famous fried chicken and homestyle sides KFC fans know and love, and new menu additions like new KFC Tenders now made with the Colonel’s Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices, new signature dipping sauces, new apple pie poppers, and unique frozen beverages. Available at these 16 Orlando-area KFC locations are two new frozen beverages — Strawberry Dragon Fruit and Mango in partnership with Tractor.
Also available at these KFC locations are the internationally known KFC Twister Wraps in Classic or Spicy. The KFC Twister Wrap is a bigger, toasted wrap that’s filled with two chicken tenders, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes and KFC’s special pepper mayo or spicy sauce. It’s a fresh, on-the-go option to enjoy the finger lickin’ good taste of KFC.
Along with the signature menu and technology upgrades as part of the KFC new restaurant concept, these locations are enabling a quality guest experience that includes:
- Digital menu boards with an easy-to-read design making it easier for guests to quickly find their favorites.
- Digital ordering kiosks that modernize the way guests can order their food, offering an interactive menu to explore.
- Upgraded kitchen technology, such as the kitchen display system, to make order preparations easier, increasing order accuracy.
“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,” said Lal. “A streamlined, signature menu + new modern restaurant technology = a better team member and guest experience.”
The 16 Orlando KFC restaurants have also received a “glow up” to bring the “Stay Original” mantra to life, creating a warm, welcoming experience, whether you dine in, drive-thru or utilize KFC’s Quick Pick-up service. The changes include:
- 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: Team members sport updated visors, aprons and Stay Original shirts, which were inspired by team members themselves.
- New Tunes: With a nod to “stay original,” guests can enjoy their meals while listening to a selected playlist featuring some of today’s most popular classics, remade. The playlist can also be enjoyed by guests in the drive thru.
- Improved Drive Thru Experience: An updated, streamlined drive thru experience with fresh menus that are easier to read and relieve the stress of ordering.
With some KFC locations transitioning to the KFC Original experience earlier this summer, Orlando is leading the charge, combining cutting-edge technology with the same great Original Recipe taste customers love. Speed of service has improved by 30 percent, on average, making your next KFC meal faster, hotter, and more satisfying than ever.
KFC also said that the new menu and tech upgrades have led to a 60 percent improvement in order accuracy and a 41 percent improvement in guest satisfaction. The company says that from the moment you walk in, you will feel the difference – and West Orlando News would have to agree.
Experience KFC’s new restaurant concept – KFC Original – today around Orlando in Central Florida. If you’re looking for finger lickin’ chicken made hot and fresh, you can visit one of the select KFC Original locations below:
- 510 Cagan View Road Clermont, FL 34714
- 4466 Pleasant Hill Road Poinciana, FL 34758
- 5173 S. Kirkman Rd. Orlando, FL 32819
- 5680 Irlo Bronson Hwy. Kissimmee, FL 34746
- 1978 E. Osceola Pkwy. Kissimmee, FL 34743
- 356 E. Main St. Apopka, FL 32703
- 5780 Central Florida Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32821
- 11302 S Orange Blossom Trl. Orlando, FL 32837
- 5808 Cinderlane Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32810
- 6041 S. Goldenrod Rd. Orlando, FL 32822
- 5200 S John Young Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32839
- 3601 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773
- 4659 W 1st Street Sanford, FL 32771
- 4670 South Street Titusville, FL 32780
- 4250 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, FL 32792
- 436 S Semoran Blvd Orlando, FL 32807
