Food & Beverage
Steak 'n Shake jumps the engine on former drive-in carhop service
August 5, 2020
Although Steak 'n Shake is typically a casual dining affair, the brand has revived its former drive-in service at a time when many customers would prefer to stay in their cars for their meals to prevent potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. In the 1950s, Steak 'n Shake was the place to be when carhops took and delivered orders, Steve May, Steak 'n Shake senior vice president, said in a company press release
"Today's pandemic world has enabled us to revitalize the drive-in experience with renewed purpose," he said. "Our modern version of the drive-in not only reinforces those early days with delivery right to your car, but it also fits perfectly into today's reality, offering our guests a way to enjoy dining out of the house while still protecting their family's health."
The changes are effective immediately in half of the brand's 500 stores nationally, the company told QSRweb in an email. Steak 'n Shake restaurants are not open for dining in but offer drive-thru, takeout and delivery, a spokeswoman said.
To accommodate the service shift, the brand has erected parking spot signage that evokes the old single-song 45-rpm vinyl records so popular 60 or 70 years ago . Customers place orders via the brand's mobile app, and orders are delivered on a tray that directly attaches to open car windows. The brand said outdoor picnic tables were available as well.
"The relaunch of our drive-in service allows us to bring the legacy of our brand to life in an unforgettable way," May said. "Ultimately, the return of the carhop allows us to do what we do best — serve customers in a fun way for a memorable dining experience."
Steak 'n Shake was founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois.
