Drive-Thru Restaurants were prevalent since the 1930s. These allowed people to drive by the restaurant kiosk to place their orders and collect the food from their car. It helped people to cope with their busy lifestyle and get their food on the go.
The specialty of the fast-food franchises and the fast serving eateries became popular around the 1960s. However, in the earlier days, there were some challenges related to the drive-thru format. For instance, the customers had to wait in their cars in long queues as there were only single lanes.
Furthermore, the restaurants used static menu boards, which confused the customers and the operators when the restaurant sold out all food items. The staff interacted through an analog setting intercom connecting headsets of the employees. You can also check the Challenges Online Food Delivery Restaurants face. However, the modern drive-thru system has witnessed numerous technological advancements.
Features of Modern Drive-Thru Application
The modern Drive-thru service is replete with several features. Here you can click on the selected item and collect and take it away from your car. The online ordering facility of the application helps you to place an order beforehand and save more time.
You can use the mobile application to order from the website. The restaurant also offers multiple lanes for takeout facilities so that the customers are no longer stuck in long queues. It keeps the traffic flow regular, and you can pick up the food from the designated place.
Another convenience of this system is that the waiters take orders from customers using POS tablets. The customers can clear payment quickly using credit cards, e-wallet money, etc., processed using the POS software.
The GPS tracking features enable seamless order fulfillment by serving the customers waiting to collect their orders. Modern services also allow service kiosks. Here the customers can view orders add the items to the buying list and check-in into the application system using POS solutions to make payments and collect food.
The application also provides notification about the food order confirmation. Moreover, the display boards also alert the buyers about the status of the order. Thus, the application ensures automated orders and enhances delivery speed. Hence these modern features of the contemporary Drive-thru application of the restaurant ensure customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Using A Drive-thru Application
Firstly it ensures the convenience of the customers who can order their food, pay, and receive their order while still being inside their cars. The use of the application makes the process even faster and error-free. The primary selling point of the drive-thru restaurants is their ability to provide food to hungry customers in an organized manner instantly.
The application enables better connectivity amongst different restaurant departments connected by one software system, and this information sharing becomes more effortless.
Secondly, the restaurants can offer better service to all customers and cater to more people than they could fit in their dining halls indoors. The waiters’ POS tablets in the drive-thru update the menu in real-time and help evade any confusion. The tablets can process credit cards as well.
The devices are designed with a long-lasting battery and thus last for the waiter’s shift. The drive-thru window order system uses workstations with sophisticated technology, enabling the staff to handle their tasks faster.
The self-service kiosk displays are available in landscape and portrait format and are easy to handle for the customers to place their orders. The application enables the staff and customers to be part of this system to access the menu and place orders without any error.
Thirdly, The drive-thru system increases the revenue generation of the restaurant. It adds more options for the eatery to make money by serving the customers who are in a hurry or need food instantly. At the same time, those who want to sit and relax while having their food can enjoy the dining halls.
Again by using drive-thru application uses multichannel kitchen displays that update information in real-time according to food availability. It shows an update of the order, preparation time, and estimated time of delivery. It displays the order details, and thus the restaurant staff can easily pick up the order and correctly deliver it to the customers.
How to Set Up an Online Drive-Thru Ordering System at Your Restaurant?
- Determine how customers will place orders: You can use various methods to allow customers to place orders, such as intercom systems, digital menus, or mobile apps. Decide which method is best for your restaurant and customers.
- Figure out where customers will receive their orders: Designate an area for customers to receive their orders, such as a window or a designated parking spot.
- Make a plan for collecting payments: Decide how you will collect payments, whether it’s through cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, or other methods. Make sure your staff is trained on how to handle transactions efficiently and securely.
- Decide how to direct traffic: Set up signs and cones to direct traffic flow, and make sure the drive-thru lane is easily accessible from the street. Consider adding a separate lane for order taking and order pickup to reduce congestion.
- Prepare the kitchen for drive-thru orders: Make sure your kitchen staff is trained to handle the volume of drive-thru orders efficiently. Set up separate stations for drive-thru orders to prevent mix-ups with dine-in orders.
Ways to Increase Drive-Thru Orders
- Invest in proper signage: Use clear and eye-catching signs to advertise your drive-thru and menu offerings. Make sure the signs are visible from the street.
- Create a drive-thru menu: Create a menu that is specifically tailored for drive-thru customers. Make it easy to read and understand, and highlight your most popular items.
- Spread the word about your restaurant drive-thru: Promote your drive-thru through your website, social media, and other advertising channels. Offer discounts or special promotions to incentivize customers to try your drive-thru.
- Use tech to your advantage: Consider using technology such as mobile apps, digital menu boards, and order tracking systems to enhance the customer experience and increase efficiency. Use customer data to personalize their ordering experience and make it more convenient for them.
Are you planning to start an online food ordering service?
Setting up a drive-thru ordering system at your restaurant can be a great way to increase revenue and provide a convenient option for customers. By investing in proper signage, creating a drive-thru menu, spreading the word about your restaurant drive-thru, and using technology to your advantage, you can enhance the customer experience and increase efficiency. With these strategies in place, you can attract more customers and keep them coming back for more. So, if you haven’t already, consider setting up a drive-thru ordering system at your restaurant today!
iScripts NetMenus is a reliable and efficient online ordering system that offers on-demand food delivery features for local restaurants. Whether you have a single or multiple location restaurant, NetMenus can help you create a customized online food ordering system that meets your business needs. With the ability to process payments, manage inventory, and track analytics, this system can help improve your restaurant’s productivity and increase customer satisfaction. By using NetMenus, you can create a branded mobile app that will help improve your restaurant’s credibility and attract more customers. So, take advantage of this smart solution and set up your own online food ordering system today with iScripts NetMenus.
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