Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 463,161 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,245 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,971 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,245 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,971 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,215 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 463,161 cutting edge ideas.

Virtual QSR Drive-Thrus

Smashburger Unveils its First Virtual Drive-Thru Window

— April 5, 2023 — Business
Fast food chain Smashburger has launched its first virtual drive-thru, giving consumers an easy and convenient way to enjoy their favorite menu items. The drive-thru in Houston, Texas, can be utilized once a customer orders online or through the Smashburger app for pickup. The user will then be directed to the Smashburger virtual drive-thru to complete their order.

The drive-thru was made possible through a digital ordering system backed by Curbit. This system provides customers with an estimated wait time and order tracking, allowing them to keep tabs on their orders throughout the entire process.

“We understand consumers’ need for convenience and speed of service as a result of ever-evolving dining habits stemming from the pandemic,” said Carl Bachman, president of Smashburger. “This design provides both, by adding this element, our franchisees have more flexibility in their site selection process, and assurance that guest demand is consistently being met.”

Image Credit: Smashburger
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Drive-thru Technology - Businesses can disrupt traditional drive-thru concepts by implementing virtual drive-thru technology, enabling customers to pick up their orders without leaving their cars.
2. Mobile Ordering - Integrating digital ordering systems with mobile applications can reduce wait times, improve customer satisfaction, and enable restaurants to expand their footprint in areas with low overhead costs.
3. Order Tracking Technology - Tracking customer orders throughout the entire process using order tracking software can provide consumers with peace of mind and help businesses optimize their operations.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Chains - Fast food chains can consider implementing virtual drive-thru technology to improve customer experience, attract new clientele, and optimize their operations.
2. Mobile App Development - Mobile app development companies can help businesses integrate digital ordering systems and order tracking features into their mobile applications to stay competitive in the market.
3. Order Tracking Software Providers - Order tracking software providers can help businesses optimize their operations by providing real-time order tracking capabilities that can help reduce wait times and boost customer satisfaction.
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness