How Drive-Thrus Became a Staple of American Mornings
Convenience and a car-centric culture paved the way for the ubiquitous fast-food drive-thru, a phenomenon that has reshaped American eating habits over decades.
The fast-food drive-thru, now an ordinary part of millions of Americans' daily routines, began as a novel concept. Its rise to ubiquity can be attributed to a growing reliance on automobiles and a demand for convenience, trends that took root in the mid-20th century.
While the exact origin is debated, Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Mo., is credited by some with introducing the first drive-thru in 1947. The West Coast chain In-N-Out Burger followed with its own drive-thru system in 1948. Regardless of which establishment was first, the drive-thru emerged as car culture surged across the United States.
The post-World War II era saw significant growth in suburban living and the expansion of highway systems, including major routes like the interstate system and Route 66. This increase in automobile use meant more Americans were spending more time on the road, creating an environment ripe for convenient, car-accessible dining options.
Fast-food restaurants, in turn, capitalized on this trend. The drive-thru model proved particularly effective for capturing morning commuters and those seeking quick meals. While McDonald's is now a dominant force in the fast-food breakfast market, it was not an early adopter of the drive-thru concept or breakfast menus.
Jack in the Box launched the first drive-thru breakfast sandwich, the Breakfast Jack, in 1969. McDonald's introduced its iconic Egg McMuffin two years later, in 1971. The first McDonald's drive-thru didn't open until 1975 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, initially to serve soldiers who were not permitted to leave their vehicles in uniform. Today, drive-thru sales constitute approximately 70% of McDonald's business.
Starbucks, another major player in the morning rush, also entered the drive-thru market later, opening its first location with a drive-thru window in 1994. By 2022, Business Insider reported that two-thirds of Starbucks sales were conducted through drive-thrus.
Capri Cafaro, host of “America the Bountiful,” notes that the evolution of the drive-thru is intrinsically linked to the changing American lifestyle and the enduring presence of automobiles. The convenience offered by drive-thrus continues to shape the fast-food landscape and consumer habits, with further evolution expected as long as cars and the desire for speed remain prevalent.