Taco Bell Plans Minnesota Outpost with Four Drive-Thru Lanes

Double drive-thru is so last year. Border Foods, a Taco Bell franchisee, is planning a new location in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, with four drive-thru lanes – one for traditional drive-thru and three for pickup, reports Axios. The location does not have dining room or indoor seating, and the kitchen would be on the second level.

The Future Is Drive-Thru

Market research firm The NPD Group says drive-thrus are key to the industry's future.

During the pandemic consumer demand for drive-thru has spurred QSR and fast casual brands to revisit their store development plans, adding drive-thrus and contactless pickup options to their new designs.

• Shake Shack is on track to debut its first drive-thrus this year, including a location with three lanes. 
• Taco Bell Go Mobile restaurants will have two drive-thru lanes including a new priority pick-up lane for customers who order via the Taco Bell app.
• Starbucks is considering a double lane drive-thru, or drive-thru plus curbside pickup.