Running a successful drive-thru lane takes certain skills and capabilities. Here’s what the best drive-thru operators have or do:

1. Good time management skills. Learn to use non-peak hours more productivity. For example, use this time for cleaning and maintaining drive-thru parts, holding staff meetings, or conducting other business-related tasks.

2. Strong “back room” skills.  Get fast, efficient and accurate at ordering and inventorying drive-thru parts and supplies. Learn how to schedule shifts to control labor costs and avoid short-staffed dayparts.

3. Focus on customer service. Make sure crewmembers know how to perform their jobs. Then train them to go above and beyond to deliver a great drive-thru experience to your guests.

4. Keep safety a top priority. Make sure employees know how to safely handle all drive-thru parts and equipment. Rectify unsafe conditions in the kitchen as soon as they appear. Have clear procedures for handling cuts, slips, falls or other injuries.

5. Have a reliable drive-thru parts repair vendor.
When your headset system goes down is not the time to be looking for a repair vendor. Establish a relationship in advance with a company you can trust to deliver fast, dependable drive-thru repairs when you need them.