Updated October 15, 2020:
Last year QSR conducted a drive-thru performance study, where Chick-fil-A was named the slowest drive-thru experience in the United States. A new study was recently announced by Seelevel HX, sharing that the chicken chain once again is the slowest in the nation, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to social distancing measures and pushing drive-thru service has slowed the speed of service from years prior. According to the study, customers spend a whopping 488.8 seconds in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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There's nothing more frustrating than sitting in your car waiting for your drive-thru order. Most of the time people are in a rush and use the drive-thru lane for convenience so time is critical. According to the latest study by QSR Magazine, a magazine focused on the Fast Food world, the drive-thru lane is getting slower and one restaurant, in particular, is holding up the drive-thru line. While their chicken sandwiches may be some of the best, lining up at the Chick-fil-A drive-thru will have you looking at your watch.
Prepare to Line up at the Chick-fil-A Drive-Thru
Designed for convenience, the drive-thru is an essential part of the fast-food restaurant. However, it looks like it's taking a little bit more time to get through the line nowadays. People are picking up mobile orders and menus are becoming more complex, leading to more questions and double-checking of orders. According to QSR, "Customers spent an average of 255 seconds from speaker to order window in 2019, about 20 seconds longer than in 2018." To put it into perspective, that's about 4 1/2 minutes.
The study included 10 popular fast-food chains and data from 1,503 visits across the entire country.
Here's how your favorite fast food drive-thru window fared:
10. Chick-Fil-A
At a hefty 322.98 seconds, Chick-fil-a's drive-thru had the longest wait time. According to Khalilah Cooper, the director of service and hospitality for Chick-fil-A, the restaurant is looking into new technology to speed up the wait time and take some of the pressure of the restaurant team members.
9. McDonald's
8. Hardee's
7. Arby's
6. KFC
5. Carl's Jr.
4. Taco Bell
3. Burger King
2. Wendy's
1. Dunkin'
Coming in with an average time of 216.75 seconds, Dunkin' holds the number one spot. It's expected since their menu is so simple and most orders involve coffee and donuts.
While Chick-fil-a does have the slowest drive-thru, it should also be noted that they have the highest percentage of order accuracy at 94%. So yes, you may wait a few minutes longer but you can be sure your order is correct.
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