Children in a household are a significant factor in drive-thru usage. Those with any children 18 and under frequent drive-thru operations more often. Gen Xers are also more likely to eat in their cars than are other age groups. Consumers 66 and older use drive-thru least of all. More than half indicated they had not bought food from a drive-thru window during the past month.
Household income plays a significant role in who purchases drive-thru meals.
It would be logical to assume that, for that group, the restaurant is viewed as an escape from the kitchen at dinner or the office at lunch, and the drive-thru lane would be an inadequate substitute. But those who shun drive-thru dining are for the most part a scarce commodity these days, and chain operators know it. The chains' main focus is service speed, with the goal being the delivery of an order to the customer's hands as quickly as possible. Arby's has worked hard toward that end. The menu board also has been redesigned, the menu streamlined and combination meals showcased.