Quick Service Restaurants put an emphasis on the work “quick,” especially as it pertains to their drive-thru lane. One of the most important ingredients to accomplish speedy service is the headset system. With constant drive-thru traffic, the bustle and noise of a busy kitchen, and customer interactions, any underperforming headset system can lead to dollars lost. Order errors often stem from employees not hearing the customer clearly and vice versa. Couple that with fellow employees mishearing instructions from one another. This leads to orders being punched into the POS system incorrectly and employees preparing food or drinks based on what they “think” they heard. The clearest path to prevent or, at least minimize, these occurrences is to invest in a proven, high definition, headset system.
[Read more…]Drive-thru Headset Clarity is Critical to Maximize Your Bottomline
The Impact of a Slow Drive-thru
Speed, efficiency and accuracy are the names of everyone’s drive-thru game at Quick Service Restaurants. Failing to deliver on these can prove catastrophic to your business. Having a drive-thru operation alone, you imply that you offer convenience for your customers. And while accuracy is important, nothing will frustrate customers more than longer than expected waiting times. The adverse effect of this will be felt in your profits, loyalty and reputation, or lack thereof.
[Read more…]5 Keys for a Successful Drive-thru Setup
Whether you’re opening a location, retro-fitting an existing one or taking over a pre-existing spot, there can be a decent amount of red tape to navigate with your township, inspectors, landlord, etc. when it comes to opening your drive-thru lane. We are not here to talk about that today. Alternatively, we’ll address five key areas that you should consider giving your drive-thru the most optimal chance at success.
[Read more…]The AI Drive-Thru Experience
Drive-thrus have long been a staple of quick service restaurants (QSRs), offering convenience and an expedited dining experience. However, with each passing generation the experience and expectation continue to shift to a more tech savvy, automated approach. Enter artificial intelligence. While already to market in some capacity, AI is looking to revolutionize the drive-thru for both the customers and operators who are looking to shed employee costs while streamlining their output. AI communication with personalized messages will continue to become smarter, faster and more prevalent.
[Read more…]Determining the Number of Headsets for Your QSR
So, the time has come to either upgrade from an existing intercom system or you’re opening your drive-thru for the first time. One of the most important questions you’re going to ask yourself is, “how many headsets do I need?” While it may seem obvious to count the number of employees you will have taking orders at any given time, it isn’t that simple. There are a few factors that should be considered to ensure you’re getting enough while at the same time not overdoing it.
[Read more…]Why Your Drive-Thru is not Attracting Enough Customers
Drive-thru locations are at a distinct advantage given their mere existence provides an additional revenue stream. However, with it comes certain expectations from your customers. Speed of service, convenience and good communication come to mind. Yet, if your signage is inadequate and your communication system cuts in and out it will lead to delays, confusion and frustration for both your customers and employees. Without realizing it, you’re putting yourself at a distinct disadvantage to retain them as return customers.
[Read more…]How Menu Boards, Digital Signage & Drive-Thrus Can Lower Labor Costs at QSRs
Quick Service and Fast Casual restaurants live by their name, “quick & fast” and when it comes to service and customer expectations. Customers want their food, they want their order to be correct, and they want it ASAP. What complicates this is the increased pain point of QRS operators. What is it you ask? Employees! Not enough, they come and go as they please, retention, quality, etc. With constant turnover labor costs are going through the roof. Thankfully, there are signage and technological approaches that can be taken to lessen this burden.
[Read more…]Choosing The Right Menu Boards for Your Restaurant
Whether you are in the throws of opening a new restaurant or your current setup needs a facelift, the most critical piece of signage you have at your disposal is your menu board. Menu boards, whether indoor or outdoor drive-thrus, present you with the single-most captive of audiences. When done right, they enhance the experience, influence purchasing decisions, reinforce your brand, increase efficiencies, and increase your average ticket amount. Today, we’ll share a breakdown of different options and offer some considerations before buying your system.
[Read more…]Adding a Drive-Thru to Your Restaurant? Here’s What You Need to Know
With consumer behavior continuing to be shaped by the fast-paced world we live in, it makes perfect sense to consider adding a drive-thru to your location should you not already have one. Sales through the drive-thru lane have never been higher and with the added convenience of this setup it will improve customer satisfaction making return trips more likely. While you may think it is as simple as throwing a drive-thru menu board up with a communication system, there are several steps involved before your first “welcome to good burger, home of the good burger may I take your order?” at the drive-thru window.
[Read more…]A Drive-thru Poem
In a world of shakes and burger buns,
Where ketchup flows and mustard runs,
There it is, so crip and so bright,
Origin’s Drive-thru, what an amazing sight.
Digital or static it stands tall and proud,
Announcing specials to the hungry crowd.
With a crystal-clear speaker and OCB screen,
It’s where famished patrons pull up to convene.
