What counts as the first drive-thru: definition and scope
The question “who had the first drive-thru window” is more complex than it appears, because the answer depends on how we define a drive-thru. At its core, a drive-thru is a dedicated lane or setup that allows customers to place and receive orders from their vehicles with minimal or no parking. A true drive-thru typically includes an intercom or speaker system, a menu board visible from the car, and a standardized flow that keeps service moving. This distinction matters because some early drive-in or curb-side services operated differently from what later became the modern fast-food drive-thru. This article examines candidate origins, the evolution of the concept, and the milestones that shaped the drive-thru into a durable global fixture.