Between 2019 and 2022, drive-through traffic rose 30 percent, according to a report from Technomic, reports The New York Times. The pandemic accelerated the service’s usage, making it an integral part of restaurant-goers' journey.
A September 2023 report by Revenue Management Solutions confirms the rise of the drive-through: drive-through sales now account for two-thirds of all fast-food purchases.
This increased support has led quick-service restaurants like Popeyes, Taco Bell, and Chic-fil-A to innovate on how shoppers dine: Popeyes is cutting the size of its dining rooms while Taco Bell is looking to eliminate indoor seating entirely, and Chic-fil-A is planning a two-story, four-lane drive-through that can handle 75 cars at once.
Industry executives share that drive-through support has resulted from a faster and smoother overall experience compared to dining in. Recent advancements like mobile ordering have helped to create efficiencies in the process.
Many also believe cultural shifts and societal change are at play. For example, Shelley Balanko, social scientist and SVP at The Hartman Group shares that shoppers are less tolerant of strangers post-pandemic.
“These are all sorts of ways people are prioritizing safety. The drive-through mentality keeps people both physically and psychologically safe,” said Balanko. Full Story (Subscription Required)
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