Drive-thrus' intriguing American history

The drive-thru has become a fast food mainstay in America & internationally. The concept originated as a drive-up burger shack and grew into the flashy, tech-savvy restaurants of today.

Drive-prequel thru's

The drive-thru has become a fast food mainstay in America and internationally. The concept originated as a drive-up burger shack and grew into the flashy, tech-savvy restaurants of today.

During the Roaring Twenties, car ownership soared and drive-in eateries cropped up. Carpenter's Sandwiches, which served comforting classics, was an early adopter. In the 1930s, it was busy.

Traveling restaurants

These eateries turned cars into dining rooms. Carhops delivered hot American comfort cuisine to diners' cars. This 1932 photo shows a Carpenter's Sandwiches carhop serving diners.

Wheel-service

Celebrities developed drive-in fever. Monte Blue is offered a club sandwich in his small racing car in this 1933 photo.

An affair

Some chains pioneered drive-ins. A&W launched its first drive-in in Sacramento, California, in the 1920s. Several classic drive-ins are still open today. 1960s Orange County photo.

Traditions

In the 1940s, America's love affair with the automobile remained strong. After WWII, car ownership rose and the drive-thru restaurant emerged. Everything came afterward.

On-wheels shopping

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