Fast casual eyes mobile order-ahead drive-thru revenue opportunity
Pokeworks, a fast casual serving up poke bowls, developed a new Cruise-Thru Lane prototype. The 60-unit chain’s version of mobile order-ahead drive-thru will debut this year as new restaurants are opened. The Hawaiian-style poke chain appears to be on the right track and on trend. With the fast-growing adoption of order-ahead within the industry, customers are getting acclimated to convenience in the off-premises restaurant experience.
Irvine, Calif.-based Pokeworks announced it continues to expand its digital offering and bolster revenue opportunities for franchise partners. Executives aim to address the safety, comfort and convenience needs of its customers.
“It’s our responsibility to listen to our guests and their needs while providing a solution without losing sight of the essence of our brand, which is the epitome of what the Cruise-Thru Lane is for Pokeworks,” noted Peter Yang, chief development officer and co-founder of Pokeworks. “We look forward to testing the prototype and continuing to grow as we continue to serve communities nationwide.”
Increasingly, fast-casual chains are adopting their own versions of the drive-thru to help speed customers through, especially during the pandemic. El Pollo Loco, Chipotle and Starbucks are just a few examples of limited-service concepts using technology and design to create more efficient and revenue-incremental drive-thru systems.
A 2020 study by mobile-app provider Rakuten Ready suggests QSRs can increase revenue 15 to 20 percent with implementation of in-store and drive-thru order-ahead.
[Related article: El Pollo Loco unveils new store design]
According to Pokeworks, the chain will integrate Cruise-Thru Lanes in future restaurant build-outs, mainly in suburban markets.
Photo credit: Pokeworks (featured preview image)
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