# Drive-Thru Novelty Brands use the drive-thru experience as a stage for publicity stunts. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 20, 2015 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/drivethru-gimmick ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Drive-Thru Novelty trend? **Drive-Thru Novelty:** Quick service restaurant chains looking to re-position the drive-thru experience in an exciting way are using the service as a setting for promotional campaigns. From renovated retro spaces to waterborne interpretations that can be visited by boat, brands are proving that there are aspects of the fast food experience that are still ripe for innovation. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 28, 2013 to Oct 22, 2015 - Published: Oct 20, 2015 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Drive-Thru Novelty trend ### Innovative Drive-Thru Experiences Brands are using drive-thrus as a setting for promotional campaigns, creating spooky Halloween logos, renovated retro spaces, and healthy organic menus. ### Interactive Drive-Thru Technology Drive-thru video screens with interactive communication are being used to improve personal connections between customers and baristas. ### Unconventional Dining Brands are using unconventional dining experiences such as floating barges to engage customers and create memorable experiences. ## What the Drive-Thru Novelty trend means for industry ### For Fast Food Industry Fast food brands can use drive-thrus to create innovative and engaging dining experiences and improve personal connections with customers. ### For Technology Industry Companies can use interactive video communication technology to improve customer experience in a variety of industries, including fast food drive-thrus. ### For Tourism Industry Unconventional dining experiences such as floating barges can be used to attract tourists and create memorable experiences. ## Workshop question How could you spice up the delivery or display of your product? ## Trend signals for Drive-Thru Novelty Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Drive-Thru Novelty trend 6 featured examples from May 28, 2013 to Oct 22, 2015. - [Organic Drive-Thru Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amys-kitchen): Amy's Kitchen Drive Thru Will Serve Healthy, Organic Fast Food (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can take advantage of this trend by incorporating healthier menu options that appeal to customers who prioritize organic, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free… - [Renovated Retro Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollywood-starbucks): A Hollywood Starbucks Location Takes Over a 1930s Gas Station (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Coffee chains can leverage the trend of renovating retro drive-thrus to create memorable and Instagram-worthy locations. - [Drive-Thru Video Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-video-communication): This Company Now Offers Interactive Video Communication with Its Baristas (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains can leverage interactive video communication to enhance customer experience and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. - [Floating Fast Food Barges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-restuarant): A&W Creates a Floating Restaurant with a Water Accessible Drive Thru (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains can explore innovative ways to create memorable dining experiences and engage customers beyond traditional restaurants. - [Undead Brand Logos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halloween-logo): KFC's Creepy Colonel Halloween Logo Spooks Drive-Through Customers (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food brands can leverage seasonal branding to differentiate themselves and attract customers during holiday seasons. - [Drive-Through Zombie Pranks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zombie-prank): The Headless Zombie Prank is Sure to Amuse Many People (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential in creating new forms of entertainment content that blend scares and humor. ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)