With busy schedules, convenience is key for many customers. Drive-thru businesses offer a fast and easy way for people to get the goods and services they need without leaving their cars. Here are 10 excellent drive-thru business ideas to consider if you're an entrepreneur looking to cater to this growing market:Hand Car Wash: A budget-friendly business idea with a loyal customer base. Hand car washes offer a more thorough clean than automated washes and can be a great way to get started.EV Charging Stations: The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to grow significantly in the next few years....

DRIVETHRUCITYThe QSR drive-thru has undergone a radical transformation in the past 30 years, evolving from a simple lane for quick carhop service to a complex ecosystem that's become the lifeblood of many fast-food chains. Here's a glimpse into how the QSR drive-thru has reshaped the business model:1. Technological Revolution:Order taking: Gone are the days of crackly speakers and muffled orders. Today, digital touchscreens, mobile apps, and voice recognition systems streamline the ordering process, reducing errors and wait times.Payment: Contactless payment options like tap-to-pay and QR codes have made transactions faster and more hygienic.Kitchen operations: Drive-thru-specific kitchens with dedicated cooking lines...

The QSR buyer journey requires outdoor-ready displays DRIVETHRUCITYConvenience is shaping the buyer’s journey at quick-service restaurants (QSR) these days as drive-thru, delivery and curbside pickup have become the preferred methods over the past few years. That’s backed up by data that shows drive-thru traffic rose 30% from 2019 to 2022, while in-person dining at fast-food restaurants dropped 47% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019.Curbside pickup has also grown significantly in popularity, even more so than drive-thru. In fact, 41% of one of U.S. consumers called curbside pickup their top choice when ordering take-out....

DRIVETHRUCITY Gone are the days when "good enough" sufficed. Today's consumers, empowered by technology and ever-increasing options, demand both convenience and experience. They want their shopping journeys to be effortless and efficient, yes, but also engaging and memorable. This isn't just a passing trend; a staggering 73% of customers prioritize convenience over price when making purchasing decisions (McKinsey & Company).The Convenience Craze:The quest for minimizing effort and maximizing time reigns supreme. Services like Kroger's grocery pick-up, where Jenny's order awaited her in the car, are booming. Online grocery sales in the US are projected to reach a staggering $250 billion...

 DRIVETHRUCITY - The aroma of sizzling fries and juicy burgers used to lure diners inside, where cozy booths and friendly servers awaited. But the winds of change are blowing through the fast-food landscape, and the drive-thru, once a mere convenience, is morphing into the main event. Meet the rise of drive-thru-only restaurants, a trend fueled by a potent cocktail of customer preferences, technological advancements, and economic realities.Even before the pandemic cast its shadow, a shift was brewing. Customers, increasingly pressed for time and craving convenience, were gravitating towards the speedy sanctuary of the drive-thru. Rising labor costs, coupled with expensive...

Within the past year, the top quick-service chains experienced a mix of challenges and opportunities as they navigated the ever-changing landscape of foodservice.   QSR - August 01,2023 These brands, known for fast and convenient dining experiences, had to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global events that impacted operations. One thing is for certain automation is coming sooner rather than later. A host of companies are tinkering with robotics in the back of house, on the phone, and at the drive-thru. Not for the sake of replacing human bodies, but for the benefit of relieving an already...

DTX1 Wireless Drive Thru Headsets Intercom System Clear orders. Happy customers. Smooth operations. Introducing the DTX1 wireless headset intercom system, designed to revolutionize your drive-thru! Features: Wireless headsets and desktop mic: Communicate comfortably, hands-free.Mix and match headsets: Use any Bluetooth brand, no need for expensive proprietary models.Ultrasonic vehicle detection: Never miss a car, hear beeps and see indicators.Multiple communication options: Headsets, desktop mic, or external speaker/mic boxes.Easy DIY installation: Get up and running fast with simple tools. Benefits: Reduced order errors: Hear and understand every order perfectly.Improved customer experience: Faster service, less frustration.Boosted employee productivity: Effortless communication, happier staff.Durable and weatherproof:...

Automating Drive-Thrus with AI Still a Long Drive: 70% of Orders Need Humans DRIVETHRUCITY Fast-food chains in the US, including Checkers and Carl's Jr., are touting AI-powered drive-thrus as magic bullets to speed up service and cut labor costs. However, the reality behind these "labor-zapping wizards" is more nuanced, as revealed by a key player in the industry.Presto Automation Inc., a company that initially promised a nearly autonomous chatbot for order-taking, attracted significant interest from restaurants grappling with rising wages. They even boasted about OpenAI's Sam Altman as an early investor and leveraged his involvement to promote their technology. Aiming...

Your Neighborhood Coffee Shop Awaits: Budget Breakdown for Your Dream Cafe Coffee, the universal elixir of life, is flowing through the veins of bustling cities and sleepy towns alike. And with the recent surge in appreciation for handcrafted coffee artistry, local coffee shops are brewing up more than just lattes – they're brewing up communities. Thinking of joining the ranks of these caffeinated entrepreneurs? You're in for an invigorating ride! But before you dive headfirst into latte art, let's crunch the numbers and map out your coffee shop journey. DRIVETHRUCITY Startup Costs: Beans, Bucks, and Beyond Remember, location is everything! Rent...

10 Things You Should Never Do At The Drive-Thru The introduction of drive-thru windows changed the way we dine forever. From McDonald's to Taco Bell, nearly every fast food chain has a drive-thru where you can conveniently order a Big Mac or Crunchwrap without leaving your car. But don't get too cozy. Just like dining at a restaurant, there is still etiquette you should adhere to when in line for a Frappuccino. DRIVETHRUCITYWe scoured Reddit, from SubReddits for all fast food employees to ones dedicated specifically to McDonald's and Starbucks, for what not to do at the drive-thru. And we ended...

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a shift in the restaurant industry, and drive-thru service has become an essential revenue stream for many businesses. If you own a food truck, here are some tips for optimizing your drive-thru service and increasing sales: DRIVETHRUCITY1. Use safety protocolsThe safety of your customers and employees is a top priority. Here are some safety protocols you can implement at your drive-thru window:Install cashier shields. This creates a physical barrier between your employees and customers, protecting both parties from the spread of germs.Use contactless handoff methods. When passing food and drinks to customers, place them on a...

Coffee shops are profitable businesses. Instead of starting a large coffee shop, consider starting a small drive-thru coffee stand. Drive-thru coffee stands are common retail concepts that consist of a small structure with one or two service windows, unlike common cafés with tables and chairs. Drive-thru coffee stands vary in design and size, but they all serve the same purpose: to offer convenient coffee to drivers. Customers can either drive up or walk to the stand and get their daily cup of Joe. DRIVETHRUCITY Not all drive-thru coffee stands are successful, though. One of the main reasons is a lack of...