# Tactical Drive-Thru Brands take advantage of drive-thru nostalgia for promotional purposes. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Mar 15, 2018 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tactical-drivethru ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Tactical Drive-Thru trend? **Tactical Drive-Thru:** While the drive-thru was one of the first steps towards hyper-convenience for consumers, it's now being used as a promotional strategy for new products, while providing a place for meaningful consumer engagement. Veering from QSR traditions, drive-thrus have become a staple to advertise more than just food; lifestyle brands and beauty companies are among the industries that are reinventing the drive-thru. This tactic targets consumers that demand memorable moments paired with their products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 1 to Jul 26, 2017 - Published: Mar 15, 2018 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Tactical Drive-Thru trend ### Branded Drive-Thrus Companies are using drive-thrus as a promotional strategy for new products and meaningful customer engagement. ### Convenient Mobile Locations Mobile fast food drive-thrus and taco-tracking taxi rides are bringing food directly to consumers and creating unique experiences. ### On-The-Go Pop-Ups Pop-up drive-thrus, like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch and rosé wine services, offer temporary locations to appeal to customers where they are. ## What the Tactical Drive-Thru trend means for industry ### For Fast Food Industry Companies like McDonald's are finding ways to bring their food to customers in new and unique ways. ### For Beauty Industry Drive-thru beauty services, like GlastonBrow, allow for quick access to cosmetic services. ### For Beverage Industry Wolffer Estate Vineyard's rosé drive-thru offers convenience to wine enthusiasts, providing them with an on-the-go option. ## Workshop question How can your brand reinvent a nostalgic experience to make it more meaningful for today's consumer? ## Trend signals for Tactical Drive-Thru Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tactical Drive-Thru trend 5 featured examples from Jun 1 to Jul 26, 2017. - [Cinnamon Cereal Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinnamon-toast-crunch-popup): This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pop-Up Helps Families on Road Trips Refuel (Category: Marketing) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage cereal-themed pop-ups to attract customers and create memorable experiences. - [Rosé Drive-Thru Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-wine): You Can Now Get Your Pink Wine Fix Via Drive-Thru in the Hamptons (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The drive-thru service and premium alcohol retail industry could greatly benefit from creating a more accessible and convenient retail experience - [Beauty Service Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brow-and-beauty): Benefit is Launching 'GlastonBrow' for Brow and Beauty Services (Category: Marketing) Implication: Companies within the beauty and cosmetics industry can explore drive-thru or quick-service options to increase convenience and accessibility for customers. - [Mobile Fast Food Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-drive-thru): McDonald's Dia Drive is a Roving "Drive-Thruck" on Wheels (Category: Autos) Implication: The food delivery services industry can capitalize on the trend by creating mobile drive-thru options for customers to easily pick up their orders without leaving their vehicles. - [Taco-Tracking Taxi Rides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-mode): Lyft's New 'Taco Mode' Brings Riders to the Nearest Taco Bell Drive-Thru (Category: Autos) Implication: Lyft, Uber, and other ride sharing services can explore expanded partnerships with fast food chains to cater to their customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)