KFC’s new generation of restaurants has hit the ground in Texas, providing a glimpse into the future of the fried chicken giant’s restaurants. Described as the new restaurant in McKinney, Open House opened over the weekend featuring late-night hours, breakfast service, table service and an expanded menu to remain competitive in a changing market, as American fast-food chains experiment with new concepts in their restaurants. KFC is the latest brand to showcase one.
Location, Size and Operating Hours
Open House is 8751 Eldorado Parkway in McKinney, Texas. KFC’s restaurant is a 3,400-square-foot eatery that can accommodate 52 people and will be open from 6 a.m. until midnight, so that the restaurant can serve customers from the early morning rush till the late evening. The restaurant would be open for a grand opening Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special guest appearances, first tastings of new menu items and prizes were a feature of the celebration.
Mid-Century Modern Design
The restaurant’s appearance is inspired by mid-century modern, which is the time when the KFC brand was established. The room is furnished with a cozy wood finish and large windows. Sitting areas are distributed throughout the inside, outside and breezeway to provide flexibility in seating arrangements.
A Concept Built on Four Key Areas
The Open House concept emphasizes four things: product, promotion, place, and price, a KFC news release said. These touch virtually every aspect of the food that is served, the way that it is ordered, and how customers eat. The restaurant’s menu has been expanded, it offers breakfast and late-night menu options, high-quality drinks and a table service. It also has pick up and drive thru spots to accommodate various orders.
Breakfast Comes to KFC
Breakfast is the largest new feature at Open House. Breakfast sandwiches, hash brown sticks, croissant doughnuts and freshly prepared coffee are served for breakfast in the morning. The 6 a.m. opening is an obvious move into the morning market, where other chains have been battling for years, and for a brand that is synonymous with lunch and dinner buckets.
Expanded Menu and New Sauces
The Original Recipe chicken is still the main attraction of KFC’s menu. It’s accompanied by sauces including Kentucky BBQ, Buffalo and ranch, as well as a selection of new drinks. The high-priced food and beverages and late-night meals are designed to attract patrons outside of dinnertime.
Boba Refreshers and Crunchy Milkshakes
One of the most significant alterations at Open House is the lineup of drinks. New items on the menu include boba refreshers and crunchy milkshakes, and brewed coffee will be available for guests to make iced lattes. There’s also a new range of tenders and sauces and additional sides to the menu.
Faster Ordering and Modern Convenience
In addition to the menu, Open House was made quick and easy. The restaurant has a faster mobile pickup lane, self-order kiosks and digital menu boards. Those who want to stay can enjoy seating inside or outside, and table service provides an added touch of restaurant dining that isn’t usually found at a fast food joint.
Dual Drive-Thru Lanes
For customers on the go, the restaurant offers dual drive-thru lanes along with a dedicated mobile pickup lane. The setup is designed to deliver faster and more efficient service, especially during busy hours.
Part of a Larger Brand Overhaul
Open House chronicles some of the big changes KFC made to their menu, branding and restaurant design globally in June. The company also announced earlier this year plans for future store concepts and a new emphasis on boneless chicken.
