News

KFC in China spins off a fast casual chain with face recognition payment kiosk

September 1, 2017

Under its KFC brand, Yum China has launched a new fast-casual-esque concept called KPRO, featuring not only a breaking edge use of face recognition payment, but also gourmet coffee, roasted chicken, craft beers, fresh juices and topnotch ice creams. 

The game-changing facial recognition restaurant payment tech is labeled "Smile to Pay," and has launched officially at the KPRO location in Hangzhou, China, according to a press release. The photos of the store show a greenhouse-type design that capitalizes on the trend toward all things natural. That is also reflected in fresh, seasonal menu and the many ways the concept "harnesses digital technology to provide a modern and fully immersive dining experience."

"We are excited to launch KPRO — an exciting and fresh new concept for young, tech-savvy consumers who are keen to embrace new tastes and innovations," Yum China President and COO Joey Wat said in the release. "Developed to cater to China's burgeoning population of urban professionals, KPRO offers a creative, modern and seasonal menu with a wide range of dishes that are freshly made-to-order."

The KPRO menu features seasonal produce, made-to-order salads, panini and roasted chicken juice, as well as the aforementioned premium beverages and desserts. The open kitchen design is also made to represent a busy food market popular among the 30-something crowd. 

The facial recognition payment solution allows customers to pay without the need to reach for their wallets. Alipay technology uses a multi-step authentication process, including a facial scan and mobile phone number, to verify the identity of customers and facilitate payment. 

"Yum China has a history of adopting innovative technologies to enhance in-store dining experience, and we could think of no better place to pilot this advanced technology," said Director of Biometric Identification Technology Jidong Chen at Ant Financial, the company behind the technology. 

The chain will have no traditional ordering counters. Thanks to the technology, customers will have no line and will place their orders at either a bank of digital kiosks or on their phones to scan QR codes and order at their tables, where the food is served by staff.

"Elevating the customer experience through new design, flavors and technologies has always been central to our approach at KFC in China," said KFC General Manager Johnson Huang. "We are excited to partner with Alipay to bring the world's first commercial application of the facial recognition payment solution to our customers."