The American drive-thru: A history of fast food and car culture

The drive-thru emerged as a significant American cultural icon through the intersection of fast food and automotive culture. While drive-in restaurants existed earlier in the 20th century, the specific drive-thru innovation is credited to either Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri in 1947 or In-N-Out Burger in California in 1948.

By the mid-1960s, the market expanded rapidly. Innovations included Jack in the Box’s drive-thru exclusive models and Wienerschnitzel’s specialized A-frame structures. This shift influenced both the food industry, with menus moving toward portable items like sandwiches and fries, and the automotive industry, as car designs began to accommodate larger cup holders.

Modern drive-thrus have continued to evolve into complex, multi-lane operations. Some chains, such as Chick-fil-A, now utilize staff with electronic tablets to facilitate seamless ordering processes.