Technology
McDonald's Texas prototype designed for off-premise dining
December 1, 2022
McDonald's is testing a new small-format test restaurants designed specifically for carryout customers, according to a press release.
The unit is located just outside Ft. Worth, Texas and includes a dedicated lane for customers who order ahead. Pickup is via a food and beverage conveyor and allows customers to skip the traditional drive-thru lane.
"At McDonald's, we've been setting the standard for drive thrus for more than 45 years," Max Carmona, senior director, global design and restaurant development, McDonald's, said in the press release. "As our customers' needs continue to change, we are committed to finding new ways to serve them faster and easier than ever before."
The unit has a smaller footprint, kiosks for ordering and a pick-up shelf for orders, as well as parking spaces reserved for curbside order pick-up and for delivery drivers.
The Order Ahead Lane uses technology that allows the restaurant to begin preparing customers' orders when they're near the restaurants.
"The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone," Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant, said in the release.
The new restaurant concept is part of the brand's "Accelerating the Arches" growth strategy.
"I am immensely proud to have this new restaurant concept serving our customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex," Vanecek added.
