Introduction
Eat This Not That is excited to announce that a popular restaurant chain known for its massive dining rooms is now turning to drive-thru windows. This move is a response to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant chain is now offering customers the convenience of drive-thru service while still providing the same quality food and service that customers have come to expect. This move is sure to be a hit with customers who are looking for a quick and easy way to get their favorite meals. So if you’re looking for a convenient way to get your favorite meals, this restaurant chain is the perfect choice.
This Restaurant Chain Known For Massive Dining Rooms Is Turning to Drive-Thru Windows
Eat This Not That is reporting that a popular restaurant chain known for its massive dining rooms is now turning to drive-thru windows to accommodate customers during the pandemic. The chain, which has locations in several states, is now offering drive-thru service at select locations.
The restaurant chain is known for its large dining rooms, which can accommodate hundreds of customers. But with the pandemic still raging, the chain has had to make some changes to keep customers safe. The chain is now offering drive-thru service at select locations, allowing customers to order their food without having to leave their cars.
The chain is also offering delivery and takeout options, as well as curbside pickup. The chain is also offering contactless payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, to make it easier for customers to pay for their orders.
The restaurant chain is also offering discounts and promotions to encourage customers to order from them. The chain is offering free delivery on orders over $25, as well as discounts on select menu items. The chain is also offering a loyalty program, which rewards customers for their repeat business.
The restaurant chain is also taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of its customers. The chain is requiring all employees to wear masks and gloves, and is regularly sanitizing its dining rooms and drive-thru windows. The chain is also encouraging customers to practice social distancing while waiting in line.
The restaurant chain is hoping that its new drive-thru windows will help it stay afloat during the pandemic. The chain is also hoping that its new safety measures will help customers feel safe and comfortable when dining at its locations.
A meal at Applebee’s usually means scoring an oversized booth in a dimly lit dining room with loud décor scattered all across the walls. But the dine-in chain may be changing that image, as it is looking to grow the number of its drive-thru locations.
After seeing takeout sales increase by 27% during the pandemic, Applebee’s has announced that it will expand the testing of its drive-thru windows, according to CNN Business. Although the chain currently only operates two locations with drive-thru lanes—one in Texarkana, Texas, and another in Monroe, La.—the company plans on opening two more in West Columbia, S.C. and Colonial Heights, Va.
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John Cywinski, Applebee’s president, expects 15 drive-thru windows to open by the end of 2022. The company currently has 1,578 restaurant locations across the United States.
Unlike fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King, which have outdoor menu boards and speaker systems, the Applebee’s drive-thru requires customers to order ahead of time—either online or through the chain’s mobile app—and go to the window for pickup.
According to Cywinski, 10 years ago, no one would have considered Applebee’s when seeking out a to-go meal. However, now that the national restaurant chain is “competing directly with [quick-service restaurants] and fast casual,” there is a greater need for another ordering option.
Additionally, Cywinski believes the drive-thru windows would streamline the delivery process for drivers who would typically go into the restaurant to retrieve orders. Delivery currently makes up about 13% of Applebee’s sales.
Although the number of restaurants that will ultimately have drive-thru windows is unclear, the chain intends to lean into the expansion aggressively.
“We think there’s a really strong argument for it,” Cywinski told CNN Business. “We will scale it, should the business case be clear. My instinct says yes, there’s a genuine need.”
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