July 24 - National Drive-Thru Day

Happy National Drive-Thru Day! On July 24, today recognizes an innovation conveniently going strong today.  

 
The drive-thru reached its iconic zenith in the 1950s but stayed strong through the 1960s, 1970s and beyond. People have enjoyed this service since the 1930s. 

 
The ease of dropping off or picking up an item without getting out of the car may be something we take for granted. Of course, many studies point to the benefits and drawbacks associated with using the drive-thru. 

The first and most obvious that comes to mind is the ease of dropping off or picking up and item. 

Whether its the mail, a prescription or the dry cleaning, pulling up to a window or a slot and passing the article through is eminently easier than even finding a parking spot.  

Then, if we have children, we collect our children, our item and wait in line. After waiting, we usually search for our parking spot while juggling children and once again pile them back into the car. 

When multiple stops are involved, repeat the previous steps. Check the ease of use box. 

Secondly, many people think the drive-thru is faster. While that might be true at some locations, it will depend on the type of service, time of day, and where you are located.  

For example, a long line in the drive-thru at the bank may mean no waiting inside. The same may also be true at your favorite fast-food restaurant. 

However, if you only need to drop off a letter at the post office, use the drive-up option. 

Finally, accuracy tops the list of some drive-thru specialists. Again, this criterion is hit or miss. 

Depending on the type of business, time of day and location, accuracy varies. In 2018, interestingly, Chick-fil-A® mastered this arena with 97.3% accuracy. 

Did you know... 

• • There are more than 211,000 fast-food restaurants in the United States! 

• • The drive-thru format was pioneered in the United States for banking services. 

• • Hamburgers sold for just eighteen cents at some of the first drive-thru restaurants. 

• • Restaurants, coffee shops, liquor stores, pharmacies, and many more services utilize drive-thrus for quick service. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

 
Enjoy the day by uses all the drive-thrus available to you. Post on social media using #NationalDriveThruDay to encourage others to celebrate the day with you. 

 
HISTORY 

 
America’s first drive-thru burger chain, Jack in the Box®, created National Drive-Thru Day to celebrate America’s love of convenience by car. 

 
#NationalDriveThurDay 

@jackinthebox 

@nichecinema