WOULD you like quinoa salad with that?

Colonel Sanders has had a hipster makeover in Parramatta, with a new KFC concept store opening today at 11am.

More like an upmarket cafe than a fast food joint, the new store is positioned to compete with archrival McDonald’s experimental restaurant, The Corner, and other middle-market food chains such as Mad Mex, Grill’d and Guzman y Gomez.

BID TO SERVE BEER AND CIDER WITH FRIED CHICKEN

The first of its kind in Australia, the new Kentucky Fried Chicken concept store in Church St is markedly different.

media_camera The new burgers allow diners to mix and match ingredients.

Designed by award-winning architects The Great Indoors, a black and white exterior has replaced the usual red, and inside, stylish lighting, timber furniture and exposed ceiling beams give it a modern, casual feel.

The store aims to tap into the 25 and over age bracket and KFC Australia spokeswoman Nikki Lawson said Parramatta was the perfect testing ground for the new concept.

“What Parramatta has done around this dining precinct is amazing,” Ms Lawson said.

“I’m not surprised everyone is fighting to get on this street.

“This is testing if KFC can work in an urban environment where there is not room for a big drive through store.”

media_camera The salads feature basmati rice, red quinoa, cos lettuce and salsa. media_camera A KFC salad, complete with sustainable packaging.

KFC has also made an application for a liquor licence which will allow the store to add beer and cider to the menu.

If approved, Parramatta will be the only KFC store in the country that can serve liquor.

“We’re not looking to be a bar,” Ms Lawson said.

“We think our food goes very well with a beer and if people want one they can order one.

“We’ll be doing the responsible thing and are looking to join the Parramatta Liquor Accord.”

media_camera Flashy fast-food branding has been replaced with a more stylish design outside the new KFC store.

media_camera New seating and lighting inside the outlet. media_camera Parramatta KFC concept store includes a salad bar.

Already dozens of people have been knocking on the window trying to get an early sample of the fast food giant’s new menu.

Three new bigger burgers and wraps are now on the menu featuring sauces such as southern barbecue, jalapeno mayo and creamy aioli.

The new salad bar will include basmati rice, red quinoa, cos lettuce and salsa.

“We have tried to keep true to our southern roots,” Ms Lawson said.

“The overall ingredients are very much part of heartland KFC.”

media_camera The burgers really are bigger, by about 30%, on the new menu.

Classic menu items are still available, such as the original fillet burger, popcorn chicken and three piece combos are still available.

“The menu reflects what people are looking for out here,” Ms Lawson said.

“They are not families looking for a treat every other weekend, we’ll have people popping in for lunch every day.”

media_camera The new menu items are not the typical KFC quick service fast-food.

Another throw back to the south is the addition of a frozen custard in place of ice cream.

“The custard feels southern-inspired,” Ms Lawson said.

“The big difference is the amount of aeration in the mix. It makes it decadent and creamy.”

KFC is at 277B Church St Parramatta and will be open daily from 11am to 9pm.