In the near future, local customers of the world’s largest casual dining chain will get their meals faster.

Applebee’s is testing the new “Applebee’s Express Lunch” concept at its 23 company-owned stores in the Kansas City metropolitan area, company spokesman Dan Smith said.

The option will not replace dine-in. It is now available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

A deadline for a nationwide roll-out has not been established.

“We want to ensure we are meeting the needs of our guests before considering where to go from here,” Smith said.

The new concept is designed to help lunchtime guests get in and out of the restaurant faster, he said.

The program started last July at two Kansas City locations.

Here’s how it works:

Applebee’s Express Lunch customers order from the full menu and pay at a counter. They are given a number and take a seat.

An Applebee’s server brings food and drinks to the table. The customer can decide when to leave after that point.

If a credit or a debit card is used for the initial payment, no other transaction is required are for additional purchases.

Based in Kansas City, Applebee’s has nearly 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory.

What do you think? Would you use this option?

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