KFC is unveiling its new cutting-edge UK concept store in Bracknell on 4 November, bringing a fresh and informal experience for KFC customers. The Berkshire restaurant, which has been entirely re-furbished internally, represents the future of interior design for KFC, which currently has over 870 stores across the UK.
Informal, stylish setting
The newly renovated KFC in Bracknell features exposed ceilings and textured brick-effect walls across its two floors, as well as photographs and illustrations from commissioned artists reflecting the ingredients used in KFC’s freshly prepared food every day. Customers can relax in an informal and stylish setting, featuring butchers block and timber plank kitchen tables, low-hanging copper light fixtures, and loose furniture. KFC red is used sparingly as an accent colour, appearing in feature areas such as the odd leg chair, feature lighting, and graphics.
Quicker service
The stylish renovation is both design-led and functional, including a back-of-house redesign that allows speed of service to be much quicker. KFC’s first ever semi open-plan kitchen (see top picture) will also allow diners to see their food being hand prepared by KFC team members. The makeover has been delivered by design agency R&R and talented new in-house Creative Design Manager Jade Swaby, who joined from the architect and design agency edge, and commented:
Sharing round the kitchen table
“KFC was designed with sharing in mind and the new design in Bracknell was inspired by families and friends coming together around the kitchen table to share freshly made food. We wanted the design to reflect the fact that, unlike many ‘fast food’ restaurants, at KFC cooks prepare and make fresh food, from scratch, every day – so the sense of the kitchen being the heart of the home really influenced the authentic, inviting design. You can feel the openness and warmth from the moment you step through the door and we hope that customers feel at home in the new restaurant.”
A further two stores in Exeter and Reading are currently undergoing similar renovations and the company plans to roll out the new design concept nationwide from March 2015.
About KFC
KFC, the world’s largest chain of chicken-based quick service restaurants, grew from the chicken business set up by Colonel Harland D Sanders in the 1950s. The Colonel had found a way to combine 11 herbs and spices with flour to create a unique taste, and to this day the secret recipe is only known to a handful of people. It is locked away in a vault in Louisville, Kentucky.
KFC came to Britain in 1965, with the first store opening in Preston, Lancashire, and there are now 870 stores across the UK, with over 24,000 employees.
KFC has made considerable nutritional improvements in the last few years, cutting salt by as much as 50% and switching cooking oils to cut saturated fat levels in Original Recipe Chicken by up to 25%. KFC has also expanded its range to include lighter options, such as the Rancher, KFC’s first non-fried product.
KFC UK, Inc is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. which also owns the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants.
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