National Drive-Thru Day
Indulge your less healthy cravings, and skip the standing around in lines by hitting your favorite fast-food drive-thru on National Drive-Thru Day.
For one day of the year, National Drive-Thru Day encourages folks to live on the wild side. Forget about buying locally sourced produce, organic vegetables, and getting those five a day.
Honestly, sometimes there just isn’t the time or energy to cook good, nutritious food from scratch, and on National Drive-Thru Day it’s a great time to take a short-cut without feeling guilty!
How to Celebrate National Drive-Thru Day
Have loads of fun filling up the car with friends so everyone can head over to the drive-thru.
Whether it’s burgers and fries or tater tots and shakes, there’s so much deliciousness to enjoy on National Drive-Thru Day, with some of these activities:
Enjoy Some National Drive-Thru Day Deals
One great way to take advantage of National Drive-Thru Day would be to find out which national chains or local drive-thru restaurants are offering discounts and deals in honor of the day. Check out some chains that have offered freebies or bargains in the past, such as Sonic, Krispy Kreme, A&W and many others.
Visit the Original In-N-Out Drive-Thru
Coming just a year after the first drive-thru in the US was opened was In-N-Out, which was established in 1948. The difference is that In-N-Out offered an extra benefit: a two-way speaker box for ordering and this genius invention was vital to the continuation of the concept.
The chain grew and developed with modern times and it is still around today, with more than 350 locations in at least seven states.
The original In-N-Out location that was built in Los Angeles, California in 1948 was, unfortunately, required to be closed down to build a highway. However, in 2014, a replica was constructed in its place – it’s not a working restaurant but it does allow folks to enjoy a photo opportunity!
History of National Drive-Thru Day
The concept of the drive-thru restaurant has its roots in its slightly older cousin, the drive-in.
These restaurants began on the sides of highways, where motorists could pull up, order, and have their food brought to them so they could eat it in the car. In fact, the first restaurant of this kind opened in 1921 in Dallas, Texas, was Kirby’s Pig Stand.
As driving (and eating) evolved, car ownership in the US increased, and fast food became even faster, the demand for a faster version of the drive-in was made clear.
Just after World War II, the first drive-thru restaurant became a reality, when Red’s Giant Hamburg was opened in 1947. This iconic spot was situated in Springfield, Missouri, right on the famed Route 66.
National Drive-Thru Day has been around for more than 70 years, as its origins can be traced back to 1951. The day got its start when it was founded by the Jack in the Box restaurant in San Diego.
Although modern Jack in the Box restaurants now offer options for dining in, at the time the only way customers could order up their burgers and fries was by driving up in a car. And so they established a day to show appreciation just for this convenience!
Since then, A&W, In-and-Out, Sonic and so many other drive-thru chains have made their way into America’s hearts – and stomachs.
And National Drive-Thru Day is the perfect way to celebrate this blast from the past and enjoy an old-fashioned burger, hot dog or root beer float!
National Drive-Thru Day FAQs
Which non-food businesses have adopted the drive-thru model?
Beyond fast-food, various businesses have embraced drive-thrus.
For instance, some funeral homes offer drive-thru viewings, allowing mourners to pay respects without leaving their cars.
Additionally, certain law firms provide drive-thru services for quick document signings.
How did the drive-thru concept influence car design?
The rise of drive-thrus impacted automobile features. In 1983, cupholders became standard in cars, catering to the growing trend of in-vehicle dining.
What was the first drive-thru-only restaurant?
Jack in the Box, established in 1951 in San Diego, operated exclusively as a drive-thru, capitalizing on America’s burgeoning car culture.
Are there any drive-thru services tailored for skiers?
Yes, McDonald’s introduced the “McSki” in 1996 at the Lindvallen ski resort in Sweden, allowing skiers to glide up and order without removing their gear.
How did World War II influence the popularity of drive-thrus?
Post-World War II, America’s car culture surged, leading to the popularity of drive-thrus. Red’s Giant Hamburg, opened in 1947, was among the pioneers, catering to this automotive boom.
Which fast-food chain is known for the fastest drive-thru service?
Wendy’s has been recognized for its speedy drive-thru service, averaging about 130 seconds per order, making it one of the quickest among major chains.
What unique drive-thru services exist beyond food and banking?
Some establishments offer drive-thru wedding chapels, particularly in Las Vegas, allowing couples to marry without leaving their vehicles.
How has the drive-thru model adapted to modern technology?
Modern drive-thrus have integrated digital menus and mobile app ordering, enhancing efficiency and customer experience in the digital age.
What role did drive-thrus play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the pandemic, drive-thrus became essential, allowing businesses to serve customers safely, leading to a significant increase in their usage.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with drive-thrus?
Critics argue that idling cars in drive-thrus contribute to increased carbon emissions, raising environmental concerns about their widespread use.
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