As the coffee culture grows in a given area the need will increase for the drive thru. People desiring good coffee on the go are coming to expect the convenience of the drive thu. New opportunities are opening from many new and existing business centers around the urban populated areas. While some defunct photomats or similar drive thrus are being converted into coffee businesses more are being built. Some are temporary tailored like units while others are built on sight. Many coffeehouses are planning a drive thru in their coffeehouse location by seeking an end or separate location.
While drive thrus can be profitable, statistics show that it usually takes a strong coffee culture of at least 4-5 coffeehouses to make a successful drive through. Many have made the mistake of thinking that if they are the only coffee bar in the area it will be successful.
People must have developed a taste habit before they think of getting a specialty coffee drink on the go. Some only think of specialty coffee as a comfort experience in a pleasant environment often enjoyed at a slower pace.
The advantages include:
- A more reasonable initial start-up cost (compared to a coffeehouse)
- A good choice of location opportunities
- A natural incorporated advertisement
- A faster customer count gives higher profit margin
- Usually a lower monthly lease
- May be advantageous for the less social oriented person
The challenges include:
- Usually a smaller work space
- A faster more challenging pace
- Usually do not have a toilet
- Can be more susceptible to sub zero freezing
- A less social environment