The Perfect Cup is Just a Pull Away: The drive-thru beverage market is hotter than ever, thanks to convenience-seeking customers and a cultural shift towards mobile ordering. Whether you're dreaming of a coffee haven, a boba tea bonanza, or a sparkling soda stop, this guide will help you navigate the road to success, powered by the efficiency and clarity of the DTX1 Wireless Headset Intercom System.1. Research & Refine:Know your market: Who are you serving? What are their needs and preferences? Analyze the competition to find your unique niche.Craft your blueprint: Create a detailed business plan outlining your vision, strategies,...

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...

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...

Thinking of opening a coffee shop? Here’s a checklist and the average cost to start a cafe. GINELLE TESTAWhat Do You Need to Start a Coffee Shop Business? (Checklist) DRIVETHRUCITY An average of 400 million cups of coffee are poured every day in the U.S. and with 79% of coffee drinkers admitting to having at least one cup every day. That adds up to a whole lot of mojo. Coffee has long been a staple of American life and the trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. That’s why it’s no surprise that coffee shops represent the fastest growing...

The Illusion of Convenience: Why People Wait in Drive-Thrus Convenience is in the eye of the consumer. Dale Hartley MBA, Ph.D.     KEY POINTS Convenience may be real, but our perception of it may not be. Anchoring can create the paradox of saving in behavioral economics. The illusion of convenience can create a paradox of perception and choice. Did you ever notice that fast food drive-thru lanes are a trap? Unless the line is already long and backed up around the curve, you can’t see how many cars are ahead of you. Once you’ve placed your order, you’re blocked...