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Executive Summary:
McDonald’s is testing a new drive-thru-only restaurant concept in Los Angeles, called the “On the Go” restaurant, which eliminates the traditional dining room to focus entirely on convenience and speed. The prototype features a dedicated mobile order pickup window and lockers for delivery app orders, a first for McDonald’s in the U.S. but already popular in international markets.
This innovation aligns with broader industry trends, as fast-food chains adapt to shifting consumer habits favoring drive-thru, delivery, and curbside pickup over dine-in experiences. Other major brands like Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Taco Bell have already introduced similar models, reflecting the growing decline in dining room usage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
McDonald’s franchisees have expressed support for the move, citing that up to 80% of sales in some locations come from drive-thru service. The shift away from large dining spaces allows for more efficient operations and futureproofing in an evolving market.
This drive-thru-focused model represents the next phase in quick-service restaurant evolution, as brands prioritize convenience, speed, and operational flexibility to meet changing customer demands.
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