How to Add a Drive-Thru to Your Business & Increase Sales - Headset Intercom System
Posted by DRIVETHRUCITY TEAM
How to Add a Drive-Thru to Your Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Pharmacy, or Small Business
A complete guide to drive-thru benefits, sales potential, equipment, installation planning, and affordable wireless drive-thru communication.
Today's customers value convenience. Whether they're getting coffee before work, picking up lunch, or collecting a prescription, many would rather complete a quick transaction without parking and entering a building. For restaurant owners and other small businesses, adding a drive-thru can create an additional way to serve these customers—and potentially capture sales that might otherwise go to competitors.
But a successful drive-thru requires more than a service window. It takes careful planning, a suitable menu or pickup process, trained employees, and a reliable drive-thru intercom system. The good news is that small businesses don't necessarily need expensive, complicated communications equipment to offer professional service.
In this guide, we'll explore the business case for a drive-thru, share verified industry statistics and real operator experiences, explain installation considerations, and show how an affordable commercial-grade system like the DTX1 Wireless Drive-Thru Intercom can help keep ongoing headset and maintenance expenses under control.
Table of Contents
- Drive-thru industry statistics
- How a drive-thru can help your business
- Potential additional revenue: examples
- Real-world drive-thru success stories
- Which businesses can benefit?
- Planning your site, menu, and permits
- Essential drive-thru equipment
- The DTX1 affordable drive-thru intercom system
- Comparing replacement headset costs
- Training, maintenance, and operations
- Return on investment
- Alternatives to a full drive-thru
- Frequently asked questions
1. Drive-Thru Industry Statistics: Why Convenience Matters
Drive-thru and takeout services are established parts of how Americans buy food. According to the National Restaurant Association's 2025 Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report, nearly 75% of restaurant traffic occurs off-premises, a category covering takeout, delivery, and drive-thru.
- 42% of U.S. adults say they use a restaurant drive-thru at least once a week.
- 47% of adults pick up takeout from restaurants, coffee shops, snack shops, or delis at least weekly.
- 58% of limited-service restaurant operators said off-premises business represented a larger portion of sales than it did in 2019.
- 94% of consumers identified speed as important to their off-premises experience, according to the Association's 2025 reporting.
Another industry survey, the 2026 Accelerate Drive-Thru State of the Industry research, surveyed more than 2,000 quick-service operators and reported that the drive-thru accounted for an average of 66.4% of revenue among those surveyed. This figure concerns the survey's quick-service businesses; it is not a forecast for every independent restaurant or coffee shop.
The takeaway: customers already make frequent use of vehicle-based ordering. An effective drive-thru can help a suitably located business meet that demand.
2. How Adding a Drive-Thru Can Improve Your Business
Reach customers who might otherwise keep driving
Think about a commuter passing a coffee shop every morning. They may like the products but don't want to find parking, get out of the car, and wait inside. A convenient drive-thru could make that business an easier choice. The same principle can apply to a sandwich shop at lunchtime or a pharmacy serving a parent with children in the car.
Create another sales channel
A drive-thru can complement walk-in traffic, online orders, and pickup services. If your team can prepare and deliver orders efficiently, another ordering channel may allow you to serve additional customers, particularly during peak hours. Some of those orders, however, may replace existing walk-in purchases rather than add entirely new sales.
Improve convenience and accessibility
Drive-thru pickup may be helpful to customers with limited mobility, caregivers, travelers, and people who prefer staying in their vehicles. It can reduce friction in the purchase process—one of several factors that encourage repeat visits.
Make pickup more predictable
When the ordering station, payment process, and pickup window are organized, employees can guide cars through a consistent workflow. A reliable two-way drive-thru speaker system helps staff understand orders, confirm details, and avoid unnecessary repetition.
Build loyalty through accuracy and friendliness
In the 2026 QSR Drive-Thru Report, satisfaction reached 96% when orders were accurate, versus 73% when they were inaccurate. When mystery shoppers rated service as friendly, satisfaction reached 98.6%. Good equipment cannot replace good service, but clear audio can help employees deliver it.
3. How Much Additional Revenue Could a Drive-Thru Generate?
There is no guaranteed percentage increase in sales from installing a drive-thru. Results depend on location, traffic, customer preferences, operating hours, competition, menu, staffing, and construction costs. But a few additional transactions each day can make a substantial difference.
Consider these hypothetical examples of truly incremental orders—meaning purchases that would not have happened without the new service channel:
| Extra orders per day | Average order | Extra monthly sales* | Extra annual sales** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | $10 | $3,000 | $36,500 |
| 20 | $12 | $7,200 | $87,600 |
| 30 | $12 | $10,800 | $131,400 |
| 40 | $15 | $18,000 | $219,000 |
| 50 | $15 | $22,500 | $273,750 |
*30 operating days per month. **365 operating days per year. These are illustrative gross sales before costs, not projected profits or promised results.
For example, 20 additional orders per day at $12 each would equal $240 in new daily sales. At 365 operating days, that is $87,600 in potential additional annual gross revenue. You would still need to subtract ingredients, packaging, labor, payment processing, maintenance, and other expenses—and account for orders diverted from your existing counter.
The useful planning formula is: additional orders per day × average ticket × operating days = potential additional gross sales.
4. Real-World Drive-Thru Success Stories and Operator Experiences
These are published examples from other businesses, not testimonials or endorsements of the DTX1. They show what some operators achieved under their own conditions and should not be treated as guaranteed outcomes.
A&W: A second drive-thru lane and higher drive-thru sales
In a November 2022 Restaurant Dive interview, A&W franchisee Anthony Walker described adding a second drive-thru lane at his Baldwin, Wisconsin restaurant. The approximately $80,000 project paid for itself within the first year, according to Walker. He reported that drive-thru sales were roughly 40% higher than in 2019 and accounted for around 60%–65% of total sales at the time of the interview.
“Drive-thru sales have been through the roof.”
— Anthony Walker, A&W franchisee, interviewed by Restaurant Dive (2022)
His experience also illustrates an important limitation: more lanes require sufficient property space, kitchen capacity, and staffing. Adding an order point alone does not solve every bottleneck.
Sip's Coffee: Greater convenience and 17% reported revenue growth
A 2022 Sip's Coffee case study published by ordering technology company joe described how the Glenrock, Wyoming drive-thru coffee business supported order-ahead pickup and adopted integrated point-of-sale and loyalty tools. The case study reported a revenue increase of more than 17% and over $6,400 in additional monthly revenue associated with the ordering solution.
This was a vendor-published customer case study about mobile ordering and point-of-sale technology. It does not demonstrate that an intercom—or the DTX1 specifically—caused those results. It does, however, show why customers appreciate a convenient, well-organized pickup experience.
What these operators teach us
Convenience can be valuable, but successful drive-thrus also depend on process. Proper traffic flow, enough kitchen capacity, accurate orders, and friendly communication matter just as much as the physical window.
5. Which Businesses Are Good Candidates for Drive-Thru Service?
Drive-thru coffee shops and espresso stands
For coffee operators, the drive-thru can be a natural fit: many purchases happen during morning commutes, and drinks can often be prepared quickly. Clear audio is particularly helpful for customized beverage orders involving sizes, syrups, milk choices, and temperatures.
Restaurants, sandwich shops, and quick-service locations
Burgers, tacos, sandwiches, chicken, and many prepared foods work well for vehicle pickup when kitchen production is organized. Operators should consider a focused drive-thru menu if their full menu would slow order taking.
Pharmacies
A pharmacy drive-thru may offer convenient prescription pickup while helping customers avoid an unnecessary trip inside. The communication system must provide intelligible speech, while the pharmacy separately addresses patient privacy, identity verification, and applicable health regulations.
Bakeries, donut shops, ice cream stores, and juice bars
Ready-to-serve products and popular menu combinations are particularly suitable for quick transactions. A clear menu board and easy ordering flow help reduce waiting.
Food trailers, kiosks, and small pickup businesses
At properly approved fixed locations, compact businesses may benefit from vehicle-based ordering without building a large dining area. A simple commercial drive-thru headset intercom lets employees remain at their workstation while speaking with the customer outside.
Other businesses
Selected retail pickup locations, banks, and service operations may also use vehicle communication. Local zoning, access, safety, and specific industry requirements should be checked before making changes.
6. Planning a Drive-Thru: Menu, Traffic, Property, and Permits
Start with your customers and products
Research customer demand before making an investment. Watch traffic at nearby businesses, survey regular customers, and identify which products can be prepared consistently. A menu with too many complicated options may lead to long waits and errors.
Design the vehicle queue safely
Allow adequate room for cars to enter, wait, turn, reach the ordering position, and exit. Think about pedestrians, delivery trucks, accessible routes, emergency vehicle access, and whether queues could extend into a public road. Dual-lane and merging configurations require additional care.
Place the order station at a comfortable height
The outdoor drive-thru speaker and microphone should be positioned where people in different vehicles can communicate comfortably. Protect equipment from weather, provide adequate lighting, and consider glare at the payment window.
Keep your menu readable
Use large text, understandable categories, clear prices, and a short list of popular items. Digital menu boards offer convenient updates but are not mandatory for every small business; a well-maintained conventional board can also be effective.
Verify regulations early
Contact your local planning, zoning, building, and fire authorities. Depending on the property, you may need approvals for traffic circulation, changes to the building, signs, electrical work, accessibility, or food-service operations. An existing drive-thru window does not automatically mean the property is approved for your proposed use.
7. Essential Equipment for a Small Commercial Drive-Thru
A typical installation may include a pickup window, menu board, order post, payment system, signs, lighting, security cameras, and a drive-thru communication system.
The communication system usually includes an indoor base station, outdoor microphone and speaker, customer arrival detector, and an employee microphone or headset. Its purpose is straightforward: notify employees when a car arrives and allow both sides to communicate clearly.
Many businesses focus heavily on the window and menu board but overlook the intercom. Yet it is one of the first points of contact between your team and the customer. Poor sound quality can cause repeated questions, incorrect orders, and delays—even when the kitchen is running efficiently.
Why simple, reliable communication can be better than unnecessary complexity
Large chains may need sophisticated integrations and centralized reporting. An independent coffee shop or neighborhood restaurant often needs something more practical: vehicle detection, clear full-duplex audio, easy employee controls, and affordable replacement accessories.
When choosing equipment, consider not only the initial system price but also the cost of future headsets, replacement parts, installation, and downtime.
8. DTX1 Wireless Drive-Thru Intercom: Commercial Communication Without Expensive Proprietary Headsets
The DTX1 Wireless Drive-Thru Intercom System from DriveThruCity.com was designed as a practical communication solution for small and independent operations, including restaurants, coffee stands, kiosks, and other customer pickup locations.
Its most important economic advantage is flexibility: the DTX1 is designed to communicate with compatible, standard Bluetooth Classic hands-free headsets, rather than locking the owner into one proprietary headset model.
Regular Bluetooth headsets can be much less expensive to replace
Compatible off-the-shelf Bluetooth headsets can be found at common online and electronics retailers, with budget models starting at approximately $40. That gives owners more purchasing options if a headset is damaged, misplaced, or needs to be replaced.
Important: not every Bluetooth headset is compatible. Select a model with appropriate Bluetooth Classic hands-free (HFP) functionality, and verify that it works with the DTX1. Microphone noise rejection, comfort, battery life, and performance in your particular business also matter.
Full-duplex conversations
The DTX1 supports full-duplex two-way communication, letting the employee and the customer speak naturally during an active conversation, without repeatedly operating a push-to-talk button.
Ultrasonic vehicle arrival detection
The included ultrasonic sensor detects a vehicle at the order position and alerts employees. When the vehicle leaves, the system can automatically end the active communication session.
Two wireless headsets included
The standard DTX1 kit includes two Bluetooth headsets. Two employees can monitor the order station, while the employee who answers becomes the active talker. This helps staff coordinate without multiple operators unintentionally speaking to the customer at once.
Desktop microphone and speaker backup
The DTX1 also includes a desktop microphone and speaker, allowing an employee to communicate without a headset. This can be useful if a headset is charging, temporarily unavailable, or simply not preferred for a fixed workstation.
Commercial-grade outdoor components
The outdoor speaker, microphone, and vehicle detector are housed for outdoor service. Proper mounting, suitable cable, weather-resistant connections, and routine inspection remain important to long-term operation.
Designed for straightforward installation
DTX1 kits are designed for practical installation with wired connections between the indoor base and outdoor devices. A business with appropriate technical skills may be able to complete the system installation without a specialized drive-thru vendor, although site construction and electrical work may still require qualified professionals.
What is included in the DTX1 kit?
- Indoor DTX1 base station
- Two Bluetooth headsets
- Outdoor speaker/amplifier assembly
- Outdoor microphone assembly
- Ultrasonic vehicle detector
- Desktop microphone and speaker assembly
- Communication cable and kit accessories
Check the current product listing for the exact kit contents and configuration. A service window, menu display, outdoor post, conduit, and site construction are separate considerations.
Explore features, availability, and current pricing at DriveThruCity.com.
9. How Standard Bluetooth Headsets Can Lower Long-Term Drive-Thru Costs
Replacement headsets can become an important ongoing expense for a busy location. Some commercial intercom brands use proprietary wireless headsets that must be replaced with compatible manufacturer-specific models. The DTX1's approach gives buyers a wider selection of compatible standard Bluetooth headsets.
Here's a hypothetical comparison of four headset replacements:
| Expense | Illustrative proprietary headset | Illustrative compatible standard Bluetooth headset |
|---|---|---|
| Price per headset | $450 | $40 |
| Four replacements | $1,800 | $160 |
| Difference over four replacements | $1,640 potential savings | |
Illustration only. The $450 figure is an assumed example, not a verified quote for a named competing product. Actual pricing, headset compatibility, replacement rates, and durability will vary.
That's why the total cost of ownership matters more than the purchase price alone. A system that uses readily available accessories may help businesses avoid costly, brand-specific headset replacements and keep economical spares on hand.
Additional ways a simple system may reduce operating expenses
- Flexible sourcing: choose from multiple retailers and compatible headset models rather than one exclusive supplier.
- Affordable spares: keeping a spare compatible headset can reduce interruptions when batteries wear out or a headset is damaged.
- Desktop backup: employees can continue operating from the desktop microphone if a headset is unavailable.
- Practical design: essential communication and vehicle-detection functions without forcing a small operator to purchase complex enterprise features.
- Installation flexibility: straightforward wiring can help lower installation costs when the site and installer are suitable.
No commercial electronic equipment is maintenance-free. Cables, outdoor enclosures, connectors, and headsets should be checked periodically. Nevertheless, affordable standard accessories can significantly reduce one category of ongoing ownership cost.
10. Training Employees and Keeping Your Drive-Thru Running Smoothly
Successful drive-thru service depends on both equipment and teamwork. Teach employees how to greet customers, answer calls, repeat or confirm orders, coordinate with the kitchen, handle special requests, and complete pickup transactions.
Develop a short training checklist that covers:
- How to recognize the vehicle arrival alert
- How to answer with a headset or desktop microphone
- How to confirm complex or customized orders
- How to adjust headset volume and charge batteries
- What to do if the headset is unavailable
- How to manage traffic backups safely
- How to inspect outdoor equipment and report damage
A simple communication system can reduce the learning curve, but employees still need refresher training, especially when new team members join.
Practical maintenance tips
Inspect the outdoor speaker and microphone regularly, keep connections dry and protected, check communication cable for physical damage, and avoid routing signal cables alongside power wiring contrary to electrical and manufacturer guidance. Test your vehicle detector and microphone periodically, and keep at least one tested spare headset available.
A small amount of preventive maintenance is often less disruptive than troubleshooting equipment during the breakfast or lunch rush.
11. Calculate Your Drive-Thru Return on Investment
Gross sales alone are not enough to decide whether the project is worthwhile. Estimate your additional profit after variable costs and any new fixed expenses.
Annual incremental contribution = incremental annual sales × contribution margin.
Annual incremental operating profit = incremental contribution − additional annual fixed operating costs.
For example, suppose a small business earns 15 new transactions per day at $12 per order and operates 365 days per year:
- Additional gross annual sales: $65,700
- Assumed contribution margin: 40%
- Annual contribution before additional fixed costs: $26,280
If the entire project cost $20,000 and there were no additional fixed expenses, its illustrative simple payback period would be about nine months. But real projects often require extra staffing, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and site upgrades, which can extend the payback period substantially.
Build conservative, expected, and optimistic scenarios before committing. Evaluate how many orders are genuinely additional, how many may be shifted from your existing counter, and whether your employees and kitchen can handle the extra volume.
12. Not Ready for a Full Drive-Thru? Start With Convenient Pickup
If your property or budget cannot support a vehicle ordering lane today, consider lower-commitment options:
- Curbside pickup: let customers order ahead and collect products from designated parking spots.
- Pickup window: create a dedicated collection point for prepaid orders where permitted.
- Limited drive-thru menu: offer a small set of fast-moving products if your traffic layout permits vehicle ordering.
- Order-ahead pickup: use online or phone ordering to reduce transaction time at pickup.
These options can help you learn about customer demand before investing in major construction. Clear communication and consistent processes remain important whichever model you choose.
13. Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Drive-Thru
Is a drive-thru profitable for a small restaurant?
It can be, especially when there is strong customer demand, convenient vehicle access, an efficient menu, and enough kitchen capacity. Profitability depends on new sales after accounting for construction, ingredients, labor, and operating expenses.
Does a small coffee shop need an expensive drive-thru headset system?
Not necessarily. A small coffee shop may need only reliable two-way communication, customer arrival detection, and easy employee controls. The DTX1 is designed to offer those functions without requiring proprietary Bluetooth headsets.
Can I use a regular Bluetooth headset with a drive-thru intercom?
That depends on the system. The DTX1 is designed for compatible standard Bluetooth Classic hands-free headsets. Not every retail headset is compatible, so test the specific model before buying in quantity.
Are replacement Bluetooth headsets really available for around $40?
Budget Bluetooth hands-free headsets are commonly offered around that price point, although prices vary. Select a headset that is compatible with the DTX1 and suitable for a commercial work environment.
What is full-duplex drive-thru communication?
Full-duplex means the employee and customer can speak and hear each other during the conversation without repeatedly switching between speaking and listening. This helps provide a more natural ordering experience.
How does the DTX1 know when a vehicle arrives?
The DTX1 uses an ultrasonic vehicle detector positioned at the order point. It alerts staff when a vehicle is present and can automatically end the active call after the vehicle leaves.
Can employees use the DTX1 without wearing a headset?
Yes. The system includes a desktop microphone and speaker for communication from a fixed indoor station.
How many Bluetooth headsets are included?
The standard DTX1 kit includes two headsets. The active operator talks with the customer while the other headset may monitor the conversation.
Can I install a drive-thru intercom myself?
The DTX1 is designed for straightforward installation by users with suitable tools and technical experience. The broader drive-thru project may still require licensed contractors, permits, electrical work, and property modifications.
Can a pharmacy use a drive-thru intercom?
Yes, a suitable intercom may support vehicle-to-counter communication. Pharmacies must separately comply with patient privacy, security, accessibility, and local regulatory requirements.
How much does it cost to add a drive-thru?
Costs range widely based on the property and scope. Replacing an existing communication system is different from building a window, lane, ordering post, and parking modifications from scratch. Request itemized estimates for site work, construction, permits, and equipment.
What should I look for in an affordable drive-thru intercom?
Prioritize clear full-duplex audio, vehicle arrival detection, practical outdoor components, intuitive operation, affordable replacement headsets, serviceability, and a supplier that supports the equipment.
14. Final Thoughts: Make Drive-Thru Service Simple, Reliable, and Affordable
Adding a drive-thru can give a restaurant, coffee shop, pharmacy, or other small business another way to serve customers who value convenience. With thoughtful planning, the right staffing, and a well-designed workflow, it may help increase transaction opportunities and encourage repeat visits.
But business owners should evaluate more than how much the lane costs to build. Daily operation, order accuracy, and ongoing equipment expenses are just as important. A clear and dependable drive-thru communication system can help employees provide the friendly, efficient service customers expect.
For businesses that want professional communication without being locked into expensive proprietary headset replacements, the DTX1 Wireless Drive-Thru Intercom offers a practical option. Its full-duplex operation, vehicle detection, included desktop microphone, and compatibility with many standard Bluetooth hands-free headsets are especially attractive to cost-conscious operators.
Better communication. More headset choices. Lower potential replacement costs.
Research and References
- National Restaurant Association — Off-Premises Restaurant Trends 2025.
- National Restaurant Association — Off-Premises Dining Press Release (April 2025).
- QSR Magazine — The 2026 Drive-Thru Report.
- QSR Magazine — 2026 Survey of More Than 2,000 Operators (sponsored research).
- Restaurant Dive — A&W Franchisee's Second Drive-Thru Lane (2022).
- joe — Sip's Coffee Case Study (2022; vendor-published).
Industry statistics and case studies describe third-party research and experiences; they are not claims about DTX1 customer outcomes. Revenue calculations and replacement-headset comparisons are illustrative. Bluetooth headset compatibility and retail prices vary by model and supplier.
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