# Next-Gen Prototype Restaurants KFC's New Restaurant Design Prioritizes Contactless Features By Riley von Niessen | Published 2020-11-19 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-restaurant References: [qsrweb](https://www.qsrweb.com/articles/kfc-next-gen-prototype-steps-up-digital-contactless-experiences/) & [kfc](https://www.kfc.com/?kujgf) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the long-term changes that are expected to remain in place as a result of it, KFC unveiled a prototype restaurant that's focused on contactless ordering, streamlined delivery, and an improved drive thru experience. When creating the prototype, KFC reportedly referenced its Q3 sales in 2020, which saw a 60 percent increase in drive thru orders in the United States. Taking this into account, the revised restaurant includes updated visuals to streamline ordering and showcase the chain's modernized branding, single-entry-point cubbies for mobile and delivery order to limit customer and employee contact, self-service kiosks, and dedicated curbside pickup parking spaces. KFC also announced that it would be partnering with a selection of third party delivery partners, which include [Uber Eats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-pepup-shop), [DoorDash](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-door-dash), and [Postmates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-delivery). Image Credit: QSR Web / KFC ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Contactless Ordering:** The trend of contactless ordering presents an opportunity for businesses to develop innovative solutions that prioritize customer safety and convenience. - **Streamlined Delivery:** The trend of streamlined delivery opens up possibilities for businesses to optimize their processes and offer faster and more efficient delivery services. - **Improved Drive Thru Experience:** The trend of improving the drive thru experience provides businesses with the chance to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty through innovative drive thru technologies and processes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can leverage the contactless ordering trend to develop innovative digital platforms and systems that enhance the ordering experience for customers. - **Food Delivery:** The food delivery industry can capitalize on the streamlined delivery trend by implementing advanced logistics and technology solutions to improve efficiency and reduce delivery times. - **Restaurant Design:** The restaurant design industry has an opportunity to create innovative spaces that optimize the drive thru experience, integrating technology and customer-centric features. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital-Oriented Restaurant Redesigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-next-gen.md) - [Efficient QSR Ordering Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-ordering-services.md) - [Gesture-Based QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchless-menu-gesture-technology.md) - [Digital Fast-Casual Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotlane.md) - [Tech-Driven Drive Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/techdriven-drivethru.md) - [Mix-and-Match QSR Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-by-kfc.md) - [Digital-Only Drive-Through Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-in-forth-worth.md) - [Improved Fast-Food Delivery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-door-dash.md) - [Mobile-Order-Only Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chick-fil-a-mobile-ordering.md)