Applebee’s Looks to Open 15 Drive-Thru Windows This Year

The pandemic shook up how everyone dined, as the closing of in-restaurant dining gave way to quicker, more efficient options like pick up and delivery. Applebee’s is looking to shift with such new norms by including drive-thru windows at some of their restaurant locations.

Applebee’s take-out and delivery sales accounted for 27% of all sales by the final quarter of 2021, which has influenced the chain’s decision to consider drive-thru windows being implemented at some locations. In comparison, its pickup and delivery orders amounted to just 12.8% of their total sales in the last quarter of 2019. The goal of the chain is to open 15 drive-thru windows by the end of 2022.

There are currently two drive-thru windows at Applebee’s locations in Texarkana, Texas and Monroe, Louisiana, with immediate plans for ones to be built at restaurants in West Columbia, South Carolina and Colonial Heights, Virginia in the next few weeks.