The Meaning of Drive Thru, Its History and Development, and Other Types of Services

Kapanlagi.com - Drive thru seems to be a familiar thing in Indonesia. Many businesses have implemented this system. However, there may still be some people who don't know the meaning of drive thru.

People who don't know the meaning of drive thru may feel hesitant to try this service. However, there are many benefits that can be obtained, especially in terms of speed.

Now, for those of you who are curious about the meaning of drive thru, please read the following information. It contains explanations about the history of drive thru and other types of services, and you will also gain more complete knowledge.

1. Meaning of Drive Thru

Illustration (Credit: Unsplash)

The meaning of drive thru can be understood as a take-out service that allows customers to quickly purchase products without leaving their vehicles. This is done to achieve convenience and speed in transactions. Customers also like this service because they can do everything themselves without having to enter a restaurant or other business building.

Not only does the drive thru system benefit customers, but it is also liked by business owners. When many customers choose the drive thru service, it means more time can be saved by employees to provide service. It is no wonder that this system is increasingly developing in various countries from year to year, including in Indonesia.

You can find drive thru services that are widely used by fast food restaurants. In addition, this system can also be applied to other businesses, such as mini markets or businesses in the service sector. Even you may be someone who is already accustomed to using this service, so you are not having difficulty in understanding the meaning of drive thru itself.

2. History of Drive Thru

Illustration (Credit: Unsplash)

After understanding the meaning of drive-thru, you may also be curious about its history and development over time. Well, you can read about it in the information below.

1. Drive-In

Apparently, drive-thru is not the first service concept that does not require customers to get out of their cars. Previously, there was a system called drive-in. By following this concept, customers could enjoy food without having to leave their cars.

When entering the parking lot, customers were greeted by waiters who offered burgers and fries placed on a tray attached to the car window. This concept was first introduced by Pig Stand, a restaurant in Texas, USA. This service was opened on the highway connecting Dallas and Fort Worth in 1921.

2. Drive-In Begins to Be Abandoned

Over time, the drive-in concept began to be abandoned because American society became increasingly obsessed with speed. The process of parking a car to eat was still considered impractical. The drive-in service was considered impractical. After that, food service with roller skating emerged. Customers could order food without having to get out of their cars.

3. Walk-Up Windows Service

In 1948, McDonald's burger stalls were opened. This stall provided burgers for 10 cents from walk-up windows service. The concept is like a drive thru, but customers have to walk to buy. Cheap, practical, and fast prices make walk up windows popular. This system allows customers to order menus, queue, and pay by standing. This requires servers to cook food faster.

4. Drive Thru in 1947

McDonald's is now famous for its drive thru service. However, they were not the first to introduce drive thru to the public. This system was first introduced in 1947 by Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, USA.

In 1984, the restaurant closed. In addition, in 1948, the In-N-Out system was first opened by Harry Synder and his wife, Ester in Baldwin Park. Unable to buy a large parking lot, the couple implemented drive thru service.

5. McDonald's Drive Thru Service in 1975

After almost three decades, McDonald's opened its first drive thru in 1975 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA. This location is close to the Arizona military base and many of its customers are soldiers who cannot leave their cars while wearing uniforms.

6. Drive Thru Expands to Other Fields

Not only owned by fast food restaurants, drive thru is also applied to various businesses. You can see it in bank services that implement drive thru ATMs, supermarkets, and even Samsat applies this system.

And it turns out, drive thru in non-food fields was done earlier. This can be seen from the drive up window service in 1928. In addition, there is also a supermarket owned by Harold Willis and Robert Willis that implemented drive thru in early 1940.

3. Types of Drive Thru

Illustration (Credit: Unsplash)

As mentioned earlier, drive thru services are also widely applied in non-food fields. The explanation of several types of drive thru can be found in the following information.

1. Train Ticket Purchase

The process of purchasing train tickets in Indonesia once implemented the drive thru system. This service is not available at all stations. Stations that implement it include Gambir Station, Jakarta and Prujakan Station, Cirebon.

2. Motor Vehicle Tax Payment

Not only in businesses, even the SAMSAT Polda Metro Jaya also implements drive thru services for motor vehicle tax payments.

3. Banks

Although not yet available in all cities in Indonesia, many banks now provide drive thru ATMs for cash withdrawals or other self-service transactions.

That's the explanation of the meaning of drive thru, the history of drive thru, and its application in various fields.

(kpl/gen/ans)