KFC workers go viral as TikTokers left confused by drive-thru device

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A video of KFC employees recently puzzled many TikTok users, as they seemed to be doing something unusual at the drive-thru. It’s now been revealed what they were up to.

Drive-thrus are usually quick and convenient, but sometimes you still end up waiting a long time. It’s especially frustrating when they ask you to pull over and wait for your order to be brought out.

Drive-thru employees have performance goals to meet, so sometimes you might notice shortcuts or workarounds to speed things up.

TikTok user moments.r.precious was puzzled after seeing a KFC employee in Compton extend a pole from the drive-thru window and repeatedly tap it on the ground.

Drive-thru workers use stick to trick system

The video has now been viewed more than 8 million times. The TikTok creator initially thought it was a device used to collect dropped coins – something workers might use to pick up loose change that falls during transactions with customers.

Fortunately, people who work in fast food have explained the situation. One person said that a sensor under the pavement detects cars as they pull up to the window. This triggers a short timer – usually between three and five minutes – for the staff to get the order ready.

When we fall behind schedule, we face consequences like losing privileges. That device helps us avoid trouble by activating a sensor that falsely signals to the system the car has left, which corrects our recorded times.

Several other people mentioned seeing the same thing at their nearby stores. One person said their KFC also used this method, while another commented that a Burger King in their area used to do it until a family member spoke up about it.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to handle parts of the ordering process at some drive-thrus, but this is actually slowing things down and frustrating customers who are taking longer to get their food.

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2026-04-29 15:19