In 2022, the Mexican-inspired concept also reported that its dine-in sales now account for just one third of business. In July of 2021, Chipotle’s mobile ordering drive-thru experience-dubbed as “Chipotlanes”- drove about 15% more digital sales compared to locations without this technology.

Other fast casual chains that did not previously utilize this type of ordering channel are also beginning to experiment with drive-thru technology. Taco Bell redefined the drive-thru experience in 2022 with the unveiling of “ Taco Bell Defy ”, a two-story, high-tech drive-thru location featuring four drive-thru lanes, video technology, and food delivery via vacuum tube. Brands like Panera, McDonalds, Burger King and KFC have built out redesigned restaurant layouts with an emphasis on their drive-thru model and less dine-in space. The increase in drive-thru popularity has sparked innovation among many quick service restaurant chains to make this method more reliable and efficient all while aiming to improve the customer experience. Many fast-food chains are upgrading and reinventing their current drive-thru and mobile ordering models to best serve their customers. So how is the quick service industry best preparing themselves for the future, and implementing new practices to flourish throughout the drive-thru surge of the 21st century? This demand undoubtedly presents a unique opportunity ahead for restaurant owners, franchise groups and major chains to utilize the right technologies to create efficiencies that directly impact the bottom line. The demand for drive-thru ordering has continued to skyrocket post-pandemic two-thirds of restaurants who currently don’t have this ordering channel plan to add drive-thrus in the coming years. Although it was already one of the most widely used ordering channels for quick service restaurants prior to COVID-19, drive-thru usage grew from 26 percent of total industry traffic to 42 percent by November of 2021. One aspect of quick-service dining, however, flourished throughout the pandemic, and continues to do so-the drive-thru. The pandemic proved to be a time of uncertainty for the entire restaurant industry, with many businesses overhauling how they went above day-to-day operations to keep the lights on.

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