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.
Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/chipotle-mexican-grill-san-antonio-19">Monique R. / Yelp</a>
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- 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.
Where This Applies
- 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.
