Yum China Holdings Inc, operator of 5,300 KFC restaurants across China, introduced its first facial-recognition ordering kiosks in a concept store named KPRO in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Sept 1, 2017.[Photo/VCG]

The restaurant itself has a relaxed cafe vibe. People are mesmerized by plants set up across the eatery, while aproned servers offer table service. An open kitchen puts ingredients and food preparation processes in full view of the diners.

Wat said the company has yet to set a target as to the number and the locations for new KPRO openings. But after a two-month trial run, 17 provincial markets including Beijing and Shanghai have expressed interest in introducing such outlets.

Going digital is a critical component to bolster the company's lofty goal of adding 600 stores annually in a country where sophisticated customers turn to healthier food offerings in Asian flavors. Currently around 45 percent of KFC sales in China are conducted via mobile payment, up from less than 20 percent a year ago.