Your guide to using Mainstreet signage, graphics and communication systems to make your drive-thru a success.
KEY TO PICTURE ABOVE
1. Directional Signs - The first point of contact with a drive-thru customer is drive-thru lane directional signs. Make sure your first time customers can easily find the drive-thru lane.
2. Presell Board - A presell board is the first opportunity to influence and educate your customer on your food offerings. Its value is two fold: increase speed of service when the customer arrives at the ordering station; secondly, it can influence the customer to purchase your specialty items. A presell board is usually smaller than the main menu board. It can display specials or combo meals. Another alternative is to use a second drive-thru menu board set up exactly the same as the main ordering station. Read more...
3. Timer Vehicle Detection Device (Magnetic Loop) - Manage the efficiency of your drive-thru by using a timing system with a magnetic loop embedded in the road surface. The timing system (Item 23) starts as the vehicle reaches the presell menu board. The initial magnetic loop is paired with the magnetic loop at the pick-up window to provide timing statistics. Read more...
4. Clearance Bar - A clearance bar may be necessary to your drive thru, as many taller vehicles can cause damage to canopies and awnings over the ordering station or pick up station. Read more...
5. Pre-Order Stacking Space - It is ideal to have open space for two cars (20 feet) between the presell zone and the ordering station. Read more...
6. Canopy - Use a canopy at the ordering station where the driver is exposed to the rain and wind through his open window. Canopies also illuminate the ordering area offering security to the customer. Read more...
7. Pole mounted Speaker/Microphone - When a canopy is installed at the ordering point, mounting the communications system speaker and microphone to the pole can save money and eliminate the need for a free-standing speaker post. Read more...
8. Speaker Post - A simple speaker post contains the speaker and microphone connected to the communication base system (Item 22) when an OVD is not used. Read more...
9. Order Verification Displays (OVD) - The OVD and speaker post is integrated to the restaurant's POS system. It offers visual confirmation to the customer that his order has been correctly heard and received. Read more...
10. Manager’s Special Sign - This simple snap lock frame holds an 8.5” x 11” letter size piece of paper inserted in a plastic sleeve - perfect for daily specials or other LTOs. Read more...
11. Main Ordering Magnetic Loop - The magnetic loop at the ordering station alerts the service crew to the vehicle’s arrival at the menu board. This magnetic loop is tied to the communication station (Item 22). HINT: Install the loop a few car lengths before the speaker post/menu board. This will allow time for your crew to react and service the customer promptly. Read more...
12. Main Menu Board - This is your primary piece of equipment for any drive-thru lane. Its placement and size is extremely important to the success of your entire drive-thru system. Read more...
13. Main Menu Board Illuminated Topper - The topper appendage adds space to a main board if side-to-side space is limited. Toppers can be used for branding or to highlight specific items or LTOs.
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14. Main Menu Board Illuminated Side Wing - Side wing appendages are an efficient way to add space to the menu board. Wings are also used to clearly separate menu dayparts or LTOs from the main board graphic area. Read more...
15. Non-Illuminated Branding Topper - A topper is an economical and efficient way to add space to the menuboard, and is ideal for branding identification; it attaches to the top place of the menu board. Read more...
16. Main Menu Board Shroud Decal - A high quality vinyl graphic mounts to the base shroud of your menu board. Use this often-ignored area to further promote your product branding. Read more...
17. Window Graphics - Use graphics in the post-sale area to highlight upcoming offers, featuring dessert items, or provide visual temptations of special food products. Read more...
18. Walk Up Window Menu Case - This is th ideal outdoor solution to display your menu in limited space or use it as a display box for promotional items and impulse purchases. Read more...
19. Outdoor Poster Frames and Graphics - Poster frames with graphics are used in the presell zone and/or the post-sale area prior to the payment or pick-up window. If graphics are in the Presell area their function is similar to a presell menu board, by informing and directing customers to specials and combos. Read more...
20. Wait Stacking Space - Ideal open space between the menu board and pick-up window is four car lengths (40 ft). Read more...
21. Payment or Pick-Up Window - Special windows allow hands-free exchange of money and delivery of orders, speeding up the drive-thru experience. Cashless credit card readers at the pick-up window are a new option used in the drive-thru lane, designed to speed service and meets the needs of the of the credit/debit card driven customer. Read more...
22. Window Awning - A window awning keeps the customer and employee covered during inclement weather. Read more...
23. Communication Systems - The communication system can be either a 1) hard wired base station or 2) wireless multiple headset version. Read more...
24. Timing System - A timer system is an important management tool to review statistics and performance of the restaurant’s drive-thru lane. Read more...
25. Pick-up Window Magnetic Loop - Embedded in the pavement at the pick-up window and wired to the timing system (Item 20), this magnetic loop completes the vehicle timing started at the presell menu board. Read more...
26. Waste Receptacle - Drive-thru lane tash receptacles with extension arms allow customers to dispose of unwanted trash without leaving their vehicles. These convenient trash cans will aid in keeping your lot debris free. Read more...
27. Drive-Thru Wait Area Signage - A "wait" space identified with signage designates lane area for customers to park while their food order is completed. Read more...