The drive-thru, a quintessential American dining innovation, may face increasing restrictions in California as several cities move to ban new establishments. Originating in 1947 with Sheldon “Red” Chaney’s concept in Springfield, Missouri, the drive-thru allowed motorists to order food without leaving their vehicles. The idea quickly spread nationwide and was popularized on the West Coast by In-N-Out Burger in Baldwin Park, California, which introduced the two-way speaker system in 1948, enhancing customer convenience amid the absence of indoor seating.
Today, a shift in urban planning and environmental awareness is prompting cities in California to reconsider the drive-thru’s role. Napa is exploring measures to eliminate new drive-thru permits as part of broader zoning reforms aimed at reducing car dependency and encouraging more pedestrian-friendly environments. The city council first rejected a drive-thru proposal in 2021 at a local shopping center, signaling the start of discussions around the issue. Beverly Shotwell, chair of the Napa planning commission, emphasized that limiting drive-thrus could foster greater social interaction, contrasting with the often isolated experience of waiting in a vehicle.
The motivation behind these restrictions also includes environmental concerns. Drive-thrus contribute to vehicle idling, which leads to increased carbon emissions. Community advocates view limiting drive-thrus as a step toward more sustainable, less car-centric urban development.
In Southern California, Culver City has taken more immediate action by extending a temporary moratorium on new drive-thru establishments for an additional ten months to allow further community review. The city council initially imposed a 45-day ban following public opposition to a proposed In-N-Out Burger drive-thru. Culver City, a small municipality within Los Angeles County, is considering making the ban permanent.
Despite the evolving regulatory landscape, drive-thrus retain a visible cultural presence. Popularized in films such as "Charlie’s Angels" and "American Beauty," drive-thru restaurants have found renewed interest among social media users. On platforms like TikTok, influencers participate in “Car Mukbangs,” live broadcasts of themselves eating in their vehicles, garnering millions of views and demonstrating the enduring allure of the drive-thru experience.
The concept of dining from one’s car predates drive-thrus; the first drive-in restaurant was introduced in 1921 with Kirby’s Pig Stand in Dallas-Fort Worth, offering meals served directly to customers’ vehicles. Research indicates that many Americans continue to eat in their cars regularly. A survey of 2,000 adults found that the average American dines in their car about three times a week, citing time constraints, a desire for solitude, or a peaceful setting as primary reasons.
As California cities weigh the balance between convenience, cultural traditions, and environmental goals, the future of the drive-thru appears poised for significant transformation.