The holiday season can be extra busy for drive-thrus as shoppers drop by for a bite to eat after a long day at the mall. To minimize wait times and keep your drive-thu lane moving as smoothly as possible:

·         Pay attention to your drive-thru parts and equipment. Make all necessary repairs or replacements before the holiday crush. Keep one or two backup headset systems on hand in case of a breakdown.

·         Train employees on seasonal menu items. If you offer specialty menu items just for the holidays, make sure employees know how to prepare and package them in a timely manner.

·         Install a pre-order menu board. Allowing customers to preview your menu before they reach the order point can reduce order times.

·         Allow phone-in or Internet orders. Having a special pickup area for these customers will keep them from slowing down your regular drive-thru customers.

·         Accept mobile payments. Swiping a phone app rather than fumbling through a purse to find cash or a credit card can shave precious seconds off the payment step. It also appeals to young consumers who like to do most things on their phones.

Finally, remember that if you have problems with your drive-thru parts or equipment, CE is here to help. We offer free in-bound shipping on all repairs, and 24-hour service on most of them. Happy Holidays from your friends at CE Repairs!