Chicken giant KFC has rolled out delivery service in two markets and has plans to expand.
Getting KFC to go just became a whole lot more convenient for the hungry masses in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The chicken giant has officially rolled out a new delivery service in those two markets with plans to expand elsewhere by year’s end.
Launched in partnership with the online delivery company DoorDash, KFC’s foray into the delivery arena is a first for the chain’s U.S. locations. The service requires customers to order through DoorDash’s app or website and provides everything on the standard KFC menu for a delivery fee of $4.99 to $6.99, depending on location.
Some menu items will come at a markup for delivery customers while others, such as value meals, will maintain standard in-store pricing.
A Growing Trend
Making fast-food meals even more convenient by offering delivery options is a growing trend in the industry. KFC’s decision to partner with DoorDash positions the chain to compete against others that have rolled out similar services. It also has the potential to provide an edge over its main fried chicken competitor, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
You Might Also Enjoy: Robots May Soon Take Your Fast Food Order
As fast-food delivery becomes more popular the option is also giving rise to new companies geared to assisting chains in meeting the demand. DoorDash’s rival Postmates now offers delivery service for such brands as McDonald’s, Starbucks and Chipotle in specific markets. Taco Bell, owned by KFC’s parent company Yum Brands, also works with DoorDash to provide at-home delivery service in some areas.
While KFC delivery is new in America, the concept has been tested in other markets. Stores in Malaysia, Egypt and China have offered delivery for some time. The model has proven itself so successful that Yum Brands CEO Greg Creed has noted that delivery business, so far, has grown at a faster rate than the core business, according to the Los Angeles Times.
What’s Next?
How soon KFC will delve into other markets with delivery remains unclear. But company officials have promised expansion, with Houston expected to be the next city where it will offer delivery service. All told there are more than 4,300 KFC locations in the United States.
