How the Drive-Thru Became an American Morning Staple
Convenience, an evolving relationship with cars, and early fast-food innovations transformed the drive-thru from a novelty into a cornerstone of daily life.
The fast-food drive-thru, now an ordinary part of the American morning routine for millions, began as a novel concept. Its widespread adoption can be attributed to convenience and an increasingly mobile lifestyle, according to Capri Cafaro, executive producer and host of "America the Bountiful."
The exact origin of the drive-thru is debated, with some crediting In-N-Out Burger for debuting a two-way intercom system in California in 1948. However, food historian claims suggest that Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, introduced the drive-thru concept a year earlier, in 1947.
Regardless of the precise start date, the drive-thru emerged during a period of significant change in Americans' relationship with automobiles. The mid-20th century saw a surge in car ownership, fueled by suburban growth and the expansion of the highway system, including iconic routes like Route 66. This increased reliance on cars created fertile ground for the growth of fast-food restaurants and, consequently, the drive-thru model.
While McDonald's is now a dominant force in the fast-food breakfast market, it was not the first to offer morning meals through a drive-thru. Jack in the Box launched its breakfast menu in 1969 with the "Breakfast Jack," predating McDonald's introduction of the Egg McMuffin in 1971. McDonald's itself did not open its first drive-thru until 1975 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, a move necessitated by military base regulations that prevented soldiers from leaving their cars in uniform.
Today, drive-thru sales constitute a significant portion of business for major chains. Approximately 70% of McDonald's business comes from drive-thru orders. Starbucks, another major player, didn't open its first drive-thru until 1994, but by 2022, two-thirds of its sales were reportedly generated through this channel.
The drive-thru landscape has continuously evolved over the past 50 to 70 years and is expected to continue adapting as long as cars and the demand for convenience remain prevalent.