Many fast food chains are reinventing drive-thru systems by putting their efforts into updated mobile apps and smart signage, but Chipotle is taking a different approach with five of its locations across the United States.
Chipotle has added drive-thru windows to some of its new locations, but drivers will not be able to pull their vehicle up to a speaker and place an order. Instead, Chipotle is asking consumers to place their order ahead via the Chipotle mobile app and use the drive-thru system as a dedicated mobile order pickup lane. Since the drive-thrus will only be accepting orders ahead of time, this has the potential to reduce long lines and wait times with quick service.
Order-Ahead Drive-Thrus
Chipotle's Newest Drive-Thru Systems Don't Take Food Orders
Trend Themes
-
Order-ahead Drive-thrus — Restaurants are reinventing drive-thru systems by implementing order-ahead systems through mobile apps.
-
Smart Menu Signage — Quick-service restaurants are updating their menu signage with smart technology to streamline the ordering process.
-
Mobile Order Pick-up — Fast food chains are implementing dedicated drive-thru lanes for mobile order pick-up to reduce wait times and improve customer experience.
Industry Implications
-
QSR (quick Service Restaurants) — QSRs can implement mobile apps and drive-thru systems for order-ahead and mobile order pick-up to reduce wait times and improve customer experience.
-
Fast Casual — Fast casual restaurants can implement similar mobile app and drive-thru technology to improve customer experience and streamline operations.
-
Technology Solutions Providers — Companies that offer technology solutions and services can cater to the growing demand for smart menu signage, drive-thru mobile app development, and mobile ordering systems.