QSR ordering system and method for drive thru operations

#This invention relates generally to ordering systems for use in a business establishment having multiple locations for order placement and locations for order preparation and closing activities which are physically separated from the locations for order placement. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and associated system for decreasing the time required to serve drive-through customers of a quick service restaurant (QSR).

#Many business establishments and in particular fast food restaurants have for many years provided drive-through service to its patrons. In such a restaurant, the patron typically drives his/her automobile through a designated traffic lane or drive running along at least one portion of the main restaurant building. Typically, such drive-through systems include an ordering station with a menu board located remotely from the building along the designated drive-through lane. As the patron enters the drive-through along the designated path, the patron first encounters the ordering station located adjacent the traffic drive. There, the patron temporarily stops his or her vehicle adjacent to the order station in order to examine the menu board which displays the various food items offered by the restaurant. In many prior art systems, a two-way audio speaker device is located adjacent the menu board at the ordering station and is connected to a corresponding device in the restaurant which enables and employee or attendant of the restaurant, within the restaurant building, to communicate orally with the patron as the patron remains within his/her vehicle. Shortly after the patron has arrived at the ordering station, typically the restaurant employee within the restaurant building activates the two-way speaker in a manner so that the employee's voice is communicated through the ordering station and to the patron so that the employee may assist the patron in the selection of the various food products. Additionally, the two-way audio system allows the patron to communicate his or her food selection orally to the restaurant employee through the two-way speaker system.

#At that time, the restaurant employee, located within the restaurant building, records the selection of food items made by the patron at the end of the selection process. The food items and associated prices are listed on an order record or receipt and the employee them communicates the selection to the other restaurant employees where the various food items are prepared and/or collected. The patron then proceeds along the designated traffic drive to the restaurant building. Typically the restaurant building includes one or more windows located immediately adjacent to the drive path. Commonly, the patron first encounters a payment window where the employee collects money from the patron based on the order record generated by a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in the restaurant. The patron then proceeds to a pick-up or presenter window and receives the items. At that time, the patron then proceeds along the drive-through path and exits the restaurant premises.

#The objectives and features of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is perspective view of QSR restaurant having a drive-through ordering system in accordance to the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a representative depiction of a computer touch screen displaying photo order records;

#With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a QSR drive-through ordering system in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 8.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a QSR fast food restaurant 6 having a drive-through ordering system 8. The illustration and employment of the invention for a fast food drive-through restaurant 6 is merely by way of example and it should be understood that as hereinafter described the invention is equally useful in other business establishments such as banks, pharmacies, or other retain stores having a drive-through or walk-up service. Even more generally, the invention is useful in any business establishment having multiple locations for order placement arid locations for order preparation and closing activities which are physically separated from the locations for order placement

#The QSR establishment 6 includes a main building 10 and a drive-through system 8 having a drive-through path or lane 12 whereby customers or patrons may drive their car along lane 12 and through the premises. It should be understood that while a drive-through ordering system 8 is described, the communication system could be used for “walk-up” customers also. The main building 10 typically houses kitchen facilities and personnel. As seen in FIG. 1, drive-through lane 12 is located adjacent to building 10 whereby a motorist patron (not shown) operates his vehicle along the drive-through lane 12. At a location along the building 10, typically a payment station 13 including a payment window 15 and a presenter station 17 including a presenter window 16 is provided where the patron tenders payment for a food order and various items purchased by the customer are ultimately delivered directly to the customer, respectively, while he remains in his vehicle. To facilitate the payment and presentation (or food transfer) functions, one or more employees or attendants are typically positioned at the respective stations 13, 17 and inside building 10. The windows 15, 16 may also extend outwardly from building 10 to enable convenient transfer to and from the customer. Alternatively, the station 13, 17 and associated windows 15, 16 may be combined according to this invention.