Drive-thru windows: what operators should plan for
For restaurant operators and fit-out contractors
A drive-thru service window opens and closes hundreds of times a day, in all weathers, while staff hand over food and payment. When it fails, the lane slows or stops.
HB Aluminium has worked on drive-thru booths and windows with McDonald's for over 35 years. This guide covers the points operators and contractors most often ask about.
New sites and booths
On a new restaurant the drive-thru booth and windows are coordinated with the building frame, the lane layout and the operator's equipment. Early drawings and the operator's standard details help keep the package on programme.
Everyday wear
The parts that work hardest are the ones that usually need attention:
- Sliding or opening mechanisms and their tracks
- Seals and draught protection around the opening
- Glazing that takes knocks from vehicles or trays
- Locks and security fittings used at the end of each shift
Planned maintenance
Regular checks catch worn parts before they stop the lane. Operators with several sites often find a planned approach simpler than reacting to individual faults.
What to send
For a repair or a new window, it helps to have:
- The restaurant address and operator
- Photographs of the window or booth and the fault
- Opening hours and the best time to attend
- For new sites, drawings and the programme
General guidance only. Requirements for a specific project are set by its specification, design team and the applicable regulations.