There’s no denying the impact a drive thru can have on sales. Just look at Dunkin’ Donuts: Scott Murphy, senior vice president of operations for the coffee-and-treats chain, says 59 percent of traditional Dunkin’ locations have a drive thru, and those units have 23 percent higher sales volume than other traditional locations.
Once a hallmark of classic fast-food joints, the drive-thru operation is getting a fast casual–style facelift thanks to chains like Dallas-based Which Wich. The customizable sandwich concept opened its second drive-thru unit this summer in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to offer more convenience, says Jeremy Cook, senior vice president of real estate and construction.