Global fast food chain KFC has opened the world’s first Drive Thru Only restaurant at 80 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow in Newcastle.

The new tech-powered concept restaurant in Australia enables customers to order and pay for a KFC meal using the app or on the KFC website prior to their arrival.

Once the customers arrive at the restaurant, they need to enter a unique four-digit code generated by the app or website on a touchscreen receiver.

Their order will be transmitted to the kitchen where it will be crafted and prepared and ready for pick up at the window.

KFC Australia chief development officer Inara Gravitis said: “We are continually looking for ways to offer our customers even faster and more convenient ordering.

“KFC is committed to investing in technology and innovative restaurant designs. – so a delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken meal is only a click away!

“Since launching the app in 2013, it’s been downloaded more than 1.3 million times, making our customers’ ordering experience as customisable, convenient and time-saving as possible.”

At the Drive Thru Only restaurant, two lanes will have traditional order options, alongside three online pick-up lanes, providing everyone with the experience of Drive Thru Only convenience.

KFC’s digital offering format was born based on customer insights on digital ordering for click and collect or delivery.

Every year, 68 million online food orders are made in Australia, amounting to 7,000 every hour.

KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands and has more than 22,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories across the globe.