Inside KFC as it prepares to reopen seating areas – but only HALF of tables can be used
FRIED chicken chain KFC is preparing to reopen restaurants for diners but only half of chairs and tables can be used due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions.
Inside the Romford branch The Sun’s Levi Winchester has been given an exclusive look, where the room has been split into two halves.
The left-hand side is for customers who want to eat in, and the right is for people who are collecting their food.
It has been months since I’ve stepped inside a restaurant – so I’m excited to see what’s new.
KFC has been welcoming back customers in phases after closing all of its UK branches on March 25, with 700 locations now open for either drive-thru, takeaway or home delivery.
Customers haven’t been able to sit inside and eat, but this will change from July 4 when lockdown measures allow restaurants to reopen.
The fried chicken chain is going to take its time though.
It’s not allowing all of its 900 locations to reopen for diners straight away, and it’s still working out how many restaurants it will make available for eat-in and which branches you’ll be able to dine-in at.
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Only half of the chairs and tables can be used in the Romford branch – and if there isn’t space then you’ll be told you have to queue or takeaway your food.
The exact numbers, and restaurant layout, will depend on how big your local KFC is.
To keep customers apart in seating areas, perspex screens have been installed between booths, and some tables are marked off completely.
As I sit down, I can’t see into the booth next to me – so it definitely feels like there is enough space.
The right-hand side of the restaurant has been reserved for both customers who are collecting food, and Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats delivery drivers.
Then there’s space in the middle of the floor for people who are queuing up to place their order.
At the Romford branch, there is a capacity limit of five people in the queueing area.
You’ll notice there are new markers on the ground which direct you, depending on if you’re a diner or delivery person.
These are one-way, and also socially distanced by two metres.
When it comes to ordering your food, customers can use either self-service machines or till points.
Are other restaurants opening for dine-in customers?
ALL restaurants in England are allowed to reopen for dine-in customers from July 4 as long as they follow coronavirus guidelines.
This means ensuring punters can safely social distance by being at least 1metre from each other, and preferably 2metres.
Of the big names that have confirmed their stance, KFC says it will begin reopening branches for dine-in customers from July 4. But it’s yet to reveal which of its 900 branches will allow this, or how many.
Pizza Hut is also reopening some branches for dine-in customers, with the first load opening on July 6 followed be a second lot on July 13.
But McDonald’s says it won’t reopen for dine-in orders from July 4 as it says it’s branches aren’t ready yet. The fast-food chain is continuing to offer takeaway, delivery and drive-thru orders in the meantime.
All the self-service machines are in operation in the Romford branch, as their positioning already allows for social distancing – but they will be cleaned more regularly by staff.
If you want to go to the till, you’ll still be able to use cash, although KFC is asking people to pay with card or contactless where possible.
Customers can also pre-order their food via the KFC app – the restaurant chain tells me this will save time and prevent queues.
KFC will still have its reduced menu in place when it reopens for dine-in customers.
This includes fan favourites, such as single sandwiches, box meals and larger bucket options available.
However, wraps and salads and the popular Krushem milkshakes are still unavailable.
They’ll also be no sauce stations in restaurants, with sachets of condiments and straws kept behind tills.
Like most retailers, KFC has installed hand sanitiser stations and staff must wear gloves.
Masks can be worn too, but this is optional.
In addition, don’t be alarmed if you hear a siren go off while you’re eating in – KFC will be playing a siren once an hour to remind staff to wash their hands.
Thankfully, the loos are also open once again – but some toilets or urinals may be blocked off.
Overall, the changes don’t seem too annoying and everyone feels really spaced out.
However, just make sure you’re prepared for more competition for a seat if you want to eat in.
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