America's Love Of Drive-thrus : 1A : NPR

Drive-thrus are a quintessentially American phenomenon. The first was in the U.S. and they spread quickly nationwide in the mid-20th century due to the rise of car culture and the highway system.Now, estimates suggest there are around 200,000 drive-thrus across the country. They grew in popularity during the pandemic. Drive-thrus have a history of innovation. Fast food companies are experimenting with new technology at their fast food windows, like AI chatbots or elevator food delivery systems that cut out human-to-human interaction.Drive-thrus also offer more than just fast food. Drive-thru funeral homes, banks, and convenience stores save people the step of getting out of their cars.We discuss the history and future of America's drive-thrus.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Sold Out Podcast: Rethinking Housing in America

1A Washington D.C. DC

1A : NPR

Joe Biden's Gone to the U.S.-Mexico Border. What For? : 1A : NPR

Small Businesses Continue To Suffer Pandemic Pain. Is Bankruptcy The Answer? – Forbes Advisor

NPR - Wikipedia

The Secret Life of Groceries by Benjamin Lorr: 9780553459418

1A Across America

Fast Food Drive-Thrus Are Slowing Down, But It's Worth The Wait

The $80 Million Acre - Marketplace

America The Beautiful? - By Blythe Roberson : Target

More than 1 in 3 American adults eat fast food on a given day, CDC survey finds