The Explosive Growth of Chicken Restaurants in Houston is reaching phenom status. Just about every drive-thru restaurant serves chicken in some form to try and grab market share. We recently attended a webinar hosted by QSR Magazine who interviewed KFC Global Execs and visionaries on Designing the Perfect Drive-Thru. The webinar was a snapshot of the future and how technology will affect drive-thru quality, speed and profitability. KFC noted that the drive-thru is one third of their sales revenue. So, we leaned in.
The Future of Drive-Thru Technology: Insights from KFC
The drive-thru of the future includes adopting digital menus, mobile ordering, and contactless payment systems, all of which reduce wait times and improve order-taking accuracy. Moreover, KFC is developing AI Voice ordering, and experimenting with predictive ordering technology, which uses AI to predict customer orders based on historical data, speeding up the service process even further. KFC is also paying close attention to how each marketing segment from Boomers to Gen Z prefers to order fast food.
So, How Do Texas Restauranteurs Create Our Tech Future?
For local Texas business owners, these technological trends present both challenges and opportunities. Adopting similar technologies may feel financially out of reach for solo restaurant owners or smaller local and regional franchises. It’s worth investigating order-taking communication system upgrades as the competitiveness of the revenue generating drive-thru is high stakes.
Restaurants operating on obsolete restaurant technology will surely see the effects of doing nothing. Don’t wait until it’s too late to act. Research, study and learn about what is available to you. Talk to your equipment vendors and see what can be upgraded giving an improved ROI and weigh your options.
Let’s Talk Chicken
As we nod to what KFC shared in the webinar, we see our own local chicken eatery explosion happening. The fast-food landscape in Houston has been dramatically reshaped by the burgeoning popularity of chicken restaurants, particularly those offering drive-thru services. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards quick, convenient, yet quality meal options.
According to a recent study by the NPD Group, drive-thru restaurant visits surged by 26% in the past two years, and sales grew by 13%, underscoring the pivotal role of speed and convenience in consumer dining choices. (Kelso, Restaurant Dive)
Fried, roasted, hot, spicy, extra crunchy, fingers, tenders, poppers, nuggets, and sandwiched, chicken has dominated this segment, leading to significant growth in specialized chicken eateries. Be sure your chicken has technological wings to take advantage of the surge.
As more establishments pop up across the city, they not only cater to the craving for comfort food but also need to bring innovative service models, mainly through drive-thru options that promise convenience without compromising taste.
Top Chicken Restaurants in Houston with Drive-Thru Service
Here are ten popular chicken restaurants in Houston. Some have just arrived in the Texas landscape, and some have been steadfast, ride-or-die choices for decades.
Famous for its crispy chicken fingers and Cane’s sauce, the restaurant offers a focused selection emphasizing quality over quantity. Their drive-thru service mirrors their menu: efficient and excellent, making it a top choice for Houstonians on the go.
2. Bojangles
Bojangles brings a taste of the Southeast to Houston with its Cajun-seasoned fried Chicken and biscuits. This chain stands out for its robust flavors and hearty meals, perfect for those looking for a quick, satisfying bite. The drive-thru service at Bojangles ensures that these delicious offerings are just a car ride away.
Specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a range of heat levels to suit every palate. This restaurant has quickly become a go-to for those who like their chicken with a fiery kick. The quick and convenient drive-thru service allows customers to enjoy gourmet-level spicy chicken without waiting.
4. Chick-fil-A
A staple in the fast-food industry, Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches and nuggets are beloved across the nation. Chick-fil-A’s drive-thru is best known for its exceptional service, efficiency, and friendliness, setting the standard for fast-food experiences in Houston and beyond.
5. Popeyes
Popeyes offers spicy fried Chicken with its Louisiana roots that packs a punch. The restaurant’s biscuits and unique side dishes also draw a crowd. Popeyes’ drive-thru is an extension of its vibrant personality, providing quick service with a side of Southern charm.
6. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is a favorite for Classic Fried Chicken, with various sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw. KFC’s drive-thru makes indulging in comfort food convenient, maintaining its appeal as their buckets are a family favorite for quick dining solutions.
Frenchy’s Chicken brings a taste of New Orleans to Houston with its Creole-seasoned Chicken. This local favorite stands out for its unique flavor profile and home-style sides. Frenchy’s drive-thru service allows Houstonians to experience Creole cooking without fuss, making it a beloved stop for many.
Known for its crispy fried chicken and honey-butter biscuits, Church’s Chicken delivers comfort food fast. Their efficient drive-thru service means you don’t have to compromise on taste for convenience, making Church’s a popular choice among Houston’s fast-food aficionados.
Slim Chickens focuses on high-quality tenders, wings, and Southern sides. This brand has differentiated itself with a menu that offers a modern twist on traditional Southern favorites, all available via a quick and easy drive-thru service.
10. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is renowned for its chicken fingers, wings, and signature sauces. The variety and quality of the sauces offer a customizable dining experience that’s made even more accessible through their fast drive-thru service. (Editors, 10Best.USAToday)
What’s Your Next Big Step?
Now that we have your attention, now’s not the time to “play chicken” with your drive-thru. Get serious and make a future-ready plan to create hype around your chicken delights and other menu items. The explosion of chicken restaurants in Houston is more than just a culinary trend; it reflects changing consumer preferences for quick, tasty, and affordable chicken meals. Staying ahead of the curve in drive-thru technology is crucial for restaurant owners.
Whether you’re a seasoned franchisee or a budding restaurateur, the key to success lies in adapting to and implementing these technological advancements, making every drive-thru experience better than the last.
About BSC
Business Sound & Communications stands ready to assist these ventures in adopting cutting-edge drive-thru communication system technologies – we even offer AI solutions. With over 30 years of expertise optimizing the drive-thru customer journey, BSC can help streamline your operations, ensuring customers enjoy a seamless and swift service experience.
For more information, contact us at 281-590-3400.
Works Cited
Kelso, Alicia. “Drive-Thru Traffic Increased 26% during Dining Room Closures, Report Says.” Restaurant Dive, 2 Sept. 2020, www.restaurantdive.com/news/drive-thru-traffic-increased-26-during-dining-room-closures-report-says/584544/.
Editors, 10Best. “Best Fast Food Fried Chicken (2024) – USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 17 July 2024, 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-fast-food-fried-chicken-2024/.
