The way fast-casual restaurants accept and share orders has changed over the last year and Sweetgreen has plans to introduce its first-ever drive-in restaurant in 2021. Set to be built in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the location will focus on digital orders placed with the Sweetgreen app and it will offer a traditional drive-thru lane, as well as a drive-in area where people can pickup their orders with the aid of a concierge. According to Sweetgreen, the new location specifically "allows guests to access Sweetgreen without ever having to leave their vehicle."
As consumers gravitate towards digital-first ordering and businesses look to future-proof themselves against the changing times, fast-casual restaurants are exploring new formats that focus on safe distancing, minimal contact between staff and guests, and expanded outdoor dining areas.
Image Credit: Sweetgreen
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Digital-first Ordering
- With consumers gravitating towards digital-first ordering, there is an opportunity for fast-casual restaurants to invest in user-friendly mobile apps and streamlined online ordering systems.
- Safe Distancing Formats
- Fast-casual restaurants can explore formats that prioritize safe distancing, such as drive-in areas or designated pickup zones, to cater to changing consumer preferences and ensure customer safety.
- Expanded Outdoor Dining
- The trend of expanded outdoor dining areas presents an opportunity for fast-casual restaurants to create inviting and comfortable outdoor spaces for customers to enjoy their meals.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Restaurant Industry
- The restaurant industry can embrace digital-first ordering and explore new formats to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences.
- Technology Industry
- The technology industry can develop innovative solutions, such as user-friendly mobile apps and online ordering systems, to support the digital-first ordering trend in the fast-casual restaurant sector.
- Hospitality Industry
- The hospitality industry can take advantage of the expanded outdoor dining trend by designing and providing comfortable outdoor spaces for guests to dine and enjoy their meals.
