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.
Order-Ahead Drive-Thrus
Chipotle's Newest Drive-Thru Systems Don't Take Food Orders
Trend Themes
1. Order-ahead Drive-thrus - Restaurants are reinventing drive-thru systems by implementing order-ahead systems through mobile apps.
2. Smart Menu Signage - Quick-service restaurants are updating their menu signage with smart technology to streamline the ordering process.
3. 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.
Industry Implications
1. 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.
2. Fast Casual - Fast casual restaurants can implement similar mobile app and drive-thru technology to improve customer experience and streamline operations.
3. 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.