Chick-fil-A Just Unveiled a Solution To Its Ongoing Drive-Thru Issues — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Chick-fil-A has just unveiled a new solution to its ongoing drive-thru issues. The fast-food chain is introducing a new technology that will help speed up the drive-thru process and make it more efficient. This new technology will allow customers to order their food from their car, pay for it, and have it delivered to their car without ever having to leave their vehicle. This new technology is sure to make the drive-thru experience much more convenient and enjoyable for customers. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get your Chick-fil-A fix, this new technology is definitely worth checking out.

Chick-fil-A Just Unveiled a Solution To Its Ongoing Drive-Thru Issues

Chick-fil-A has been struggling with long wait times at its drive-thrus for years, but the fast-food chain has finally unveiled a solution. The company recently announced that it is rolling out a new technology that will help speed up the drive-thru process and reduce wait times.

The new technology, called “Order Ahead,” allows customers to place their orders online or through the Chick-fil-A app. Customers can then pick up their orders at the drive-thru window without having to wait in line. The technology is currently being tested in select markets, and the company plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming months.

Chick-fil-A is also introducing a new “Express Lane” at its drive-thrus. This lane is designed for customers who have already placed their orders online or through the app. Customers in the Express Lane will be able to pick up their orders quickly and without having to wait in line.

The company is also introducing a new “Mobile Order Pickup” feature, which allows customers to order their food online and then pick it up at the drive-thru window. This feature is currently being tested in select markets, and the company plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming months.

Chick-fil-A is hoping that these new technologies will help reduce wait times at its drive-thrus and make the experience more convenient for customers. The company is also working on other initiatives to improve the customer experience, such as expanding its delivery options and introducing new menu items.

So if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get your Chick-fil-A fix, you may want to give the new Order Ahead and Mobile Order Pickup features a try. You’ll be able to get your food faster and without having to wait in line.

Chick-fil-A has long had issues with its drive-thrus. From long lines to slow lines—and even being called a “public nuisance by its neighbors in California—the chicken chain is constantly bottlenecked with hungry customers in cars.  

But the company just announced it may have a solution to these vehicular woes. Chick-fil-A is now testing new drive-thru technology that may help its lanes operate more efficiently, according to its website.

Drive-Thru Express lanes have been put to use at 60 restaurants. These lanes are dedicated to picking up orders placed ahead of time through the chain’s app, which should reduce the pressure on regular drive-thru lanes.

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chick fil a drive thru express

At the test locations, customers can choose a Chick-fil-A location on the map in the app, select “Drive-Thru Express,” and then order. When they arrive at the location, they can simply pull up to the Express Lane, use the app to scan a QR code, and pick up their order from an employee.

“We see this as a way to serve customers more effectively and give them more control over their experience,” said Jonathan Lassiter, a senior integration leader on Chick-fil-A’s service and hospitality team in a statement. “The lengthiest part of our drive-thru ordering process is the brief wait to get your order taken. The express lane cuts down ordering and payment time significantly, granting customers access to greater speed, ease, and convenience when they want it most.”

The company said it expects to roll out more Drive-Thru Express lanes in 2023, pending further testing at the current pilot stores.

While Chick-fil-A is working to speed up its drive-thru, it is no stranger to using operational upgrades in order to provide more efficient service to customers.

The company implemented face-to-face ordering and outdoor meal delivery during the pandemic, which is when it started hand-delivering meals to cars and taking orders via iPads. Prior to that, employees wrote orders down and called customers on cell phones. 

In a study done by QSR Magazine, Chick-fil-A averaged 323 seconds in its drive-thru time—which is higher than the industry average among the biggest fast-food chains. However, the study pointed out that while the wait time is higher, Chick-fil-A often contends with far more customers—often six or more cars at a time than any other chain.

Amber Lake

Amber Lake is a staff writer at Eat This, Not That! and has a degree in journalism from UNF in Jacksonville, Florida. Read more