The Futuristic Way KFC Is Selling Food In China
Thanks to KFC and Neolix, the world is one step closer to the future than ever before. CNET reports that KFC has debuted a small fleet of autonomous cars set on delivering their delicious fried food, something many felt followed in the footsteps of the current self-driving car boom. Times Now News says that the fast-food giant is also seeking to maintain social distancing protocols and minimize overall human contact with the debut of this new fleet.
The KFC-branded cars, which were deployed in Shanghai, permit those craving KFC's golden chicken to order via a touchscreen and accept payments through the use of their phones. Once the payment goes through, the food compartment door opens and KFC aficionados can grab their food and go. Forbes first reported that Neolix would be working alongside Yum Brands (the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut) to provide a "restaurant on wheels" kind of atmosphere with their vehicles. According to Gizmodo, the cars were first documented on Twitter by fans of the chain.
Why KFC is booming in China
It's no surprise that KFC would launch their new autonomous car fleet in China. Business Insider reports that KFC is the most popular fast-food chain within the country and made nearly a whopping $5 billion in revenue in the country in 2017. As one of the first American fast-food brands to open its doors in China, the fried chicken chain quickly established a strong foothold and adapted to local customs and tastes quickly (they had placed their first store by the Great Wall).
Business Insider explains that Chinese consumers prefer chicken over other meats like beef, which has led KFC to be regarded much differently than it is within the United States. Eater backs this up in a report by citing how fried chicken is closer to the Chinese palate than hamburgers are. In China, Business Insider says, KFC is seen as more of a luxurious treat than that of a fast-food stop that is cheap. This is because the KFC menu keeps all of the mainstay options, but caters to the Chinese public with things like congee, egg tarts, rice porridge, and sushirritos.