The Unusual Drive-Thru That's A 10-Course Popup Experience

When you think of a drive-thru, you likely have an image of a grease-speckled paper bag filled with burgers, fries, or other traditional fast food fare. While it's quick and convenient to be able to grab a meal on the go, this isn't exactly the domain of fine cuisine — at least not in the average American's experience. 

This is a nation that knows its fast food drive-thrus. After all, this efficient dining option was born on American soil. While the title for "first drive-thru" is hotly debated, History recalls that way back in 1948, a purveyor of hamburgers set up shop beside a round patch of pavement in Baldwin Park, California. With its design completely devoted to enabling motorists to purchase take-away meals from the comfort of their cars, the original In-N-Out Burger didn't have a single seat for dining in. 

While most fast food joints now offer both dine-in and drive-away options, the drive-thru continues to prove a valuable sales asset. In fact, QSR reveals that between 60% and 70% of all purchases from fast food restaurants are made via the drive-thru. This service model naturally lends itself to a speedy, casual dining experience, but can it be used when offering epicurean delights from an upscale eatery? One New York event proves that it can. 

How can upscale eateries offer a quality drive-thru experience? In the case of the recent Resy Drive-Thru event, they must begin by transforming the entire notion of what a "drive-thru" means. Resy's blog explains that for two days in September, the team of Amex Gold and Resy invited eager diners to swap their cars for a chauffeured golf cart and visit a pop-up dining event at Brooklyn's Skyline Drive-In. Diners simply had to sit back as they were driven from one pop-up restaurant to another, dining on a signature dish from each place.  

The idea was born in Los Angeles during the pandemic as the Resy Drive-Thru enabled diners to check out local eateries without braving indoor crowds. And, according to Travel + Leisure, the LA event completely sold out in a mere 15 minutes. Following another successful event in Miami, the partners decided to take it to New York City. With offerings from 10 different restaurants, this multi-course feast showcased an eclectic collection of dishes like grilled squid, butter chicken, roasted cauliflower, and marbled cheesecake. Tickets were sold for $110 per diner.  

While only Amex Gold and Resy know what future drive-thrus lurk up their sleeves (if any), keep your eyes peeled. You never know: Your city might set the stage for the next 10-course drive-thru event.