US-based fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has announced that it is testing elevated drive-through and walk-up design concepts to serve its customers better.

The restaurant brand said that the new concepts will combine digital ordering with its signature hospitality.

The elevated drive-through concept will be opened in the Atlanta metro area while the walk-up concept will be launched in New York City.

Both concepts are expected to launch next year.

By trialling these new concepts, the restaurant company aims to meet the evolving needs of its customers who look for speed and convenience.

Chick-fil-A restaurant design executive director Khalilah Cooper said: “Digital orders make up more than half of total sales in some markets – and growing – so we know our customers have an appetite for convenience.

“Understanding this desire for convenience, the locations for these tests were intentionally selected with the customers in mind, giving them more control over their desired experience and cutting down wait-time, while continuing to provide genuine hospitality and care to every guest.”

The restaurant company noted that its kitchens will be located above the drive-through lanes, allowing faster delivery of orders to the team members, who will deliver the order directly to the customer.

It added that the guests can place their orders directly with the team members or use the dedicated Mobile-Through lanes for orders placed ahead in the Chick-fil-A App.

Cooper added: “We want to leverage technology to elevate the human touchpoints in our restaurants. These new digital formats make the customer and Team Member experience more seamless and therefore more memorable and give back precious time to connect with each other.”