16 Drive-Thru Restaurant Features You Don’t See Anymore
Here's a look at old drive-thru features that were once common but are now rarely seen at modern fast food restaurants.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Drive-thru restaurants in the past had unique features that made them stand out. Over time, changes in technology, design, and customer habits led to many of these being removed or replaced. These forgotten details remind us how much the drive-thru experience has changed.
1. Two-Way Speaker Boxes with Static
Darrin Antrobus on Wikimedia Commons
Older drive-thrus used simple speaker boxes for placing orders. The sound was often unclear, and workers had to ask customers to repeat their orders. The speaker itself was mounted on a metal pole and exposed to the weather. Static and background noise made communication difficult.
2. Manual Change Dispensers at the Window
Jaggery on Wikimedia Commons
Some drive-thrus had a coin dispenser next to the cashier. It dropped exact change into a metal tray when the cashier pressed a button. It saved time during busy hours, especially when people paid with cash. These machines are no longer needed with the rise of card payments.
3. Bright, Hand-Lettered Menu Boards
Tim Malone on Wikimedia Commons
Before digital screens, menus were made of plastic panels with printed letters or hand-written signs. Workers had to manually swap out menu items or prices. These boards didn’t light up well at night, so some used clip-on lights. They were basic but got the job done.
4. Payphones Installed Nearby
W. Bulach on Wikimedia Commons
Payphones were often placed near drive-thru lots so customers could make calls while waiting. This was before most people had mobile phones. Sometimes they were used by delivery drivers or customers with car trouble. They disappeared once cell phones became popular.
5. Car Hops on Roller Skates
Victor Kibiwott on Wikimedia Commons
Some early drive-thrus had staff who skated out to deliver food. This was more common in the 1960s but lasted in some places through the early ’90s. It was meant to be fast and fun, especially at drive-in style locations. Eventually, this method faded due to safety concerns and efficiency.
6. Paper Order Slips for the Kitchen
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Cashiers wrote down each order on paper slips and passed them to the kitchen. This system was slow and easy to mess up. Mistakes were more common when restaurants were busy. Digital systems have replaced handwritten tickets almost everywhere.
7. Small Trash Cans at the Menu Post
Sevela.p on Wikimedia Commons
Drive-thrus used to have trash bins attached to the order post. People would throw away old drink cups or wrappers while waiting to order. These bins were often full or messy. Most were removed because they slowed down the line or required frequent cleaning.
8. Dual Drive-Thru Lanes Without Digital Boards
Atomic Taco on Wikimedia Commons
A few restaurants experimented with two lanes, even before digital menus. One lane would serve cars while the other had to wait without much direction. It often led to confusion or delays. Modern double-lane systems use better tech to keep orders organized.
9. Coin Trays for Exact Change
Asanagi on Wikimedia Commons
Drive-thru windows had small plastic trays where you could leave coins. It made it easier to give exact change without touching hands. These trays were common before contactless payment became normal. Today, most customers pay with cards or apps.
10. Old-School Loyalty Stamp Cards
Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia Commons
Restaurants handed out stamp cards at the drive-thru for repeat visits. Each time you ordered, you got a stamp, and after a set number, you received a free item. Cards had to be kept in your car or wallet. Now, digital rewards programs have taken their place.
11. Order Takers Outside Without Tablets
Piedmont Virginia Community College on Wikimedia Commons
Some staff stood outside to take orders with clipboards during busy times. This helped speed things up when the speaker line was full. They walked from car to car and wrote each order down. Today, workers use tablets or headsets instead.
12. Drive-Thru Mail Slots for Customer Comments
Jaggery on Wikimedia Commons
A few places had small drop boxes near the window for feedback forms. Customers could fill out paper surveys and leave them during the trip. Managers collected the forms to read customer suggestions. Now, feedback is mostly collected online or through receipts.
13. Plastic Food Models in Display Cases
Lombroso on Wikimedia Commons
Some restaurants showed actual-size plastic models of menu items at the window. These were meant to help people decide what to order. The models faded over time or looked less appealing after a while. Digital images have replaced these displays.
14. No Intercom, Just Window Ordering
Philip Mallis on Wikimedia Commons
In the earliest drive-thrus, there was no speaker system. Customers drove up to a single window, placed their order, and waited there. It took longer because the kitchen didn’t start cooking until after the order was made. Intercoms were added later to speed things up.
15. Free Paper Menus in Holders
Guilhem Vellut on Wikimedia Commons
Drive-thrus gave out printed menus that customers could take home. The menus were kept in small holders near the order area. They helped people plan their order before pulling up to the window. These paper menus are now rare since menus change often.
16. Drive-Thru Only Restaurants with No Inside Seating
Mike Kirby on Wikimedia Commons
Some locations were built with no indoor dining at all. They had a kitchen, drive-thru lane, and pickup window but no tables inside. These were meant for quick service but were less common as most chains added seating. Today, some are returning to this model with modern upgrades.