These popular fast food drive thrus are getting faster
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Fast food chains are implementing all sorts of changes to their drive-thrus, and it looks like it’s paying off for customers in line, according to a new report.

According to Intouch Insight, customers at Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A and Carl’s Jr. reported significant reductions in their average total time in the drive-thru. Compared to last year, Wendy’s saw an 88-second reduction, Chick-fil-A by 73, and Carl’s Jr. by 43 seconds.

Chick-fil-A, for example, had an average total wait time of 183 seconds in 2022 (last year, Chick-fil-A had the slowest drive-thru lane in the survey because there are so many cars). The time was shortened to 123 seconds this year.

In an effort to speed up service, fast food giants have been improving their drive-thrus. Currently, Chick-fil-A is testing out two new concepts – a four-lane drive-thru with a kitchen above, and a walk-up location for digital orders.

Wendy’s, Arby’s, McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’, KFC, and Taco Bell were among the top ten fast food companies studied.

The average wait time decreased by 25 seconds over the year, but that may be due to fewer cars in line. A survey found that the average number of vehicles in line dropped from 2.76 cars in 2022 to 1.27 cars in 2023.

There was also a decrease of 4 seconds in service time, while a decrease of 29 seconds in total drive-through time.

There was no contest between Taco Bell and McDonald’s in terms of fastest total time and fastest service time. Despite this, Chick-fil-A continued to dominate the fastest total time by car, which divides the average total time by the number of cars in line. There were by far the most cars in line at the chicken chain.

In order of fastest service time, Wendy’s, KFC, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Carl’s Jr. ranked first through fifth.