McDonald’s Reboots Slow Service with Third Drive-Thu Window

According to an October study by QSR Magazine, service at a McDonald’s drive-thru takes about 189 seconds, compared to 158 seconds at Taco Bell and 134 seconds at Wendy’s. Service at McDonald’s drive-thus have slowed since last year, the report shows, and in an attempt to address longer wait times, the chain plans to install a third drive-thru window.

Currently, customers in cars pull up to the first window to pay for their order before picking up their food at the second window. However, starting next year in both new and revamped locations, McDonald’s will add a “Fast Forward Drive-Thru” that will allow patrons to bypass the second window when their order isn’t ready and to drive to a third stop to wait.

Part of the reason for the chain’s longer wait times may stem from the emergence of more complicated menu items and an increasing popularity of drive-thrus. Hmph, Dollar and More Menu, we blame you.