March 10, 2022
Matt Cook, Editor
Pretty light week for drive-thru news, but we’d like to tip our hat to all the companies out there (like McDonald’s) who have taken a stand with the Ukraine against Russia’s actions. McDonald’s closed their sites in Russia (9%+ of their global revenue!). We pray the terrible situation is peacefully and justly resolved quickly.
And now, the news…
The recent rise in prices is likely to change driving habits and lifestyles, according to a study from auto club AAA. This represents a new challenge for the dining industry, which is already struggling with surging food and labor expenses.
Nearly two weeks after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, and after activists and investors pressed the company, McDonald's announced Tuesday that it would temporarily close 850 restaurants in Russia.
Portillo’s opened its first drive-thru-only restaurant to help ease crowding at the hot dog chain’s full-service restaurant five miles away, but the new Joliet, Illinois location also appears to be driving new business. In addition to its two traditional drive-thru lanes, the unit features a third for order pickup.
“The brand is exceedingly well-positioned right now to thrive, to flourish—use whatever term you want,” Cywinski says.
After several years of paring down its system to prioritize well-performing restaurants and better compete in a saturated casual dining segment, Applebee’s is positioned for net new unit growth again as soon as next year.
The much-anticipated amenity proved to be an instant hit among both fans and first-timers.
The Norwalk Conservation Commission voted this week to approve plans to build a larger drive-thru at the popular fried chicken chain.
“This is an exciting new concept for us,” said Chrissy O'Malley, director of retail store operations for City Brew Coffee. “We hope to be able to serve our on-the-go customers in a new, convenient way that fits their schedule and needs, while also having a welcoming patio walk-up for those looking to hang out and enjoy their beverage."
The chain reported a major discrepancy in performance between urban and suburban areas.
The Green Bay area's first Chick-fil-A has released a traffic flow map for the restaurant's grand opening weekend.
Make Your Drive Thru More Than a Hand-off. Make It a Differentiator.
City council members to discuss concerns with drive-thrus last year, city staff took a close look at the issue and studied options for addressing impacts.
In the video, Seupule explains that these soda drive-thrus are common around Utah. She said that in her city alone, there are five different types of soda drive-thrus.
The video records the cashier, who introduces herself as Cynthia, taking the order for a spicy, 3-piece chicken tender meal with a strawberry Fanta. She sings, gives a shoutout to the Saints and ends with the delightful instruction to "come on 'round, honey dumplin'."
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