Drivethrough

Drive-through, often written drive-thru, is a service model in which customers remain in their vehicles while receiving goods or services through a window or intercom. A typical drive-through uses a menu or ordering board, an ordering device or speaker, a payment step, and a pickup window, with the goal of speed and convenience for the customer.

In operation, a vehicle proceeds along a designated lane to place an order, often at an external speaker or digital kiosk, then pays and eventually receives the order at a separate window. Some systems are single-lane; others use multiple lanes to separate different orders or products. The rise of mobile ordering and contactless payment has further streamlined drive-through service and enabled curbside pickup options where customers order ahead and collect at designated bays.

Drive-throughs are common across industries, most notably fast food restaurants, coffee shops, pharmacies, banks, and supermarkets. They are widely used in many countries, though the design and terminology vary (drive-through or drive-thru in North America; drive-up or click-and-collect variants in other regions).

Design and safety considerations include lane width, traffic flow, signage, and hazard-free pedestrian access to adjacent facilities. Accessibility and safety regulations influence the placement of pickup windows and intercoms. Critics point to potential traffic congestion, environmental impact, and urban planning concerns, while proponents cite increased throughput and minimal contact, useful for busy periods or public health contexts.

History: The drive-through concept developed in the United States during the mid-20th century and later spread globally, evolving with digital ordering and multiple service models.