Category
Business
Autumn Teasers
Trend cluster
Category
Drive-In
Culinary
Drive-in culinary experiences are popular amidst pandemic restrictions.
4.3
Trend score
Trend
What is the Drive-In Culinary trend?
Drive-In Culinary: Food brands are offering consumers distinct and safe experiences by centering dining into drive-in formats. These dining experiences are being experimented with by everything from fast food chains to fine dining restaurants.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Drive-In Culinary trend
As consumers in North America continue to deal with government and personally imposed restrictions as a result of the ongoing pandemic, they're increasingly seeking out ways to enjoy recreational activities in ways that keep them safe. These individuals turn to brands that are being more creative in designing their customer experiences.
Trend themes
Themes within the Drive-In Culinary trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Drive-In Experiences
As social distancing measures and pandemic-related restrictions impact dining and entertainment, drive-in experiences are becoming more popular, offering customers a safe and unique experience in the comfort of their car.
02
Digital Ordering
With the rise of contactless ordering and payment, many fast-casual chains are adapting their business model to focus on digital ordering and offering drive-thru or drive-in options for quick and easy pickup.
03
Outdoor Dining
Expanding outdoor dining options in restaurants is becoming a more necessity and opportunity as restrictions limit indoor seating capacity and customers seek a safer, outdoor option.
Industry implications
What the Drive-In Culinary trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food Service
Businesses in the food industry can adapt to these trends by offering customers new and innovative drive-in, digital ordering, and outdoor dining experiences.
For
Entertainment
Drive-in experiences that combine food and entertainment are growing in popularity as people search for fun and socially distanced ways to spend time with family and friends.
For
Retail
Restaurants and other food service providers can explore digital-first ordering and expand their outdoor dining options as consumers continue to look for safe and convenient options when dining out.
Workshop question
How is your brand prioritizing both recreation and safety?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Drive-In Culinary
Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 50%, freshness 10%.
Popularity70%
Activity50%
Freshness10%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Drive-In Culinary trend
4 featured examples from Sep 4, 2020 to Jan 14, 2021CategoryAutos
Culinary Drive-In Cinemas
The Lexus Culinary Cinema Elevates the Drive-In Movie Experience
Drive-in events are becoming more popular in the hospitality industry, allowing movie-goers to enjoy safe, socially distanced communal environments.
CategoryLifestyle
Drive-In Fast-Casual Restaurants
Sweetgreen's New Location Has an Outdoor Area with a Concierge
The restaurant industry can embrace digital-first ordering and explore new formats to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences.
CategoryLifestyle
Touchless Fast Food Restaurants
The New Burger King Restaurant Design Supports the New Normal
Fast food industry can explore touchless technology and mobile ordering to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and enhance safety protocols.
CategoryLifestyle
Valentine's Restaurant Drive-Ins
This Year at White Castle, Valentine's Day is Socially Distanced
The restaurant industry can benefit from the trend of drive-in dining experience, specialized holiday menus and carhop service as they provide opportunities for creative marketing…
