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Drive-Thru Speeds Hit Fastest Pace Since 2018
7 Oct
Summary
- Average drive-thru visits are now over 11 seconds faster than last year.
- Order accuracy improved to 89.3%, with AI ordering showing higher success rates.
- Tim Hortons, Taco Bell, and KFC led their categories in fastest service times.
The average drive-thru visit has become considerably quicker, with a recent study revealing times have fallen to their fastest pace since 2018. Intouch Insight's annual Drive-Thru Study, based on over 2,100 visits to 13 quick-service chains, found the average wait time to be five minutes and 24 seconds.
This marks an improvement of over 11 seconds compared to the 2025 study and nearly a minute less than the peak observed in 2021. Tim Hortons led beverage chains at four minutes and 20 seconds, Taco Bell was fastest among classic restaurants at 4:52, and KFC was the quickest chicken chain at 4:25.
Order accuracy also improved, reaching 89.3% this year, up from 86.9%. Chains like Starbucks achieved high accuracy rates, and locations utilizing AI ordering demonstrated even greater success, with orders correct over 90% of the time. McDonald's is implementing its ArchIQ system with AI, aiming to enhance order accuracy and operational efficiency.
While AI shows potential to reduce labor hours through task automation, the intention is not to decrease staffing. Instead, employees can shift focus to customer service and complex tasks. Customer response to AI systems like McDonald's Archy has been positive, primarily due to improved order accuracy.
