National Drive-Thru Day

National Drive-Thru Day celebrates one of America’s most iconic inventions—the ability to order and pick up food without ever leaving your car. On this day, we show appreciation for all the establishments that offer this convenient service.

History

The drive-thru format first appeared in the mid-20th century in Springfield, Missouri. It began with Red’s Giant Hamburg, located along the famous Route 66. Just four years later, the Jack in the Box chain opened its first drive-thru, perfectly timed with the booming automotive industry.

Today, when most people think of drive-thru service, McDonald’s comes to mind. With approximately 3,000 drive-thru locations worldwide, it’s a global leader in fast food. National Drive-Thru Day was first officially celebrated in 2002, thanks to an initiative by Jack in the Box.

Interesting Facts

• The price of the first hamburgers sold at a drive-thru was just 18 cents.
• Drive-thru orders account for about 85% of all fast food orders in the U.S.
• According to customer reviews, Wendy’s has the fastest service at around 130 seconds per order, while Burger King has the slowest—about 3.5 minutes.
• Cars didn’t have cup holders until 1983.

How to Take Part

If you’ve never tried a drive-thru, today is the perfect time. If you’re a regular customer, mix things up and try a new spot. Look for special deals on restaurant websites and social media. Celebrate the day with friends—take a drive and visit all your favorite fast food places for a fun, nostalgic outing.

When is National Drive-Thru Day in 2025?

National Drive-Thru Day is observed annually on July 24.

Observations