Systems and methods for synchronized pre-ordered item preparation at dine-in locations

A method for processing a plurality of food orders at a facility for food preparation and distribution, the method comprising:

• receiving, at a computer system within the facility, via a network, a plurality of food orders from corresponding ones of a plurality of devices, wherein the facility is designated to exclusively provide take-out orders;
• receiving, at the computer system, electronic payments for ones of the plurality of food orders;
• preparing and packaging, in a food preparation area, the plurality of food orders;
• placing a first food order of the plurality of food orders in a food pick-up area arranged to facilitate a pick-up of the first food order;
• and
• displaying directions to an occupant of a vehicle to proceed to a pick-up window to receive a second order of the plurality of food orders, wherein displaying the directions it carried out by an order-ready board arranged to be viewable by occupants of vehicles parked in corresponding ones of a plurality of single-vehicle parking spaces.

A facility for food preparation and distribution, the facility comprising:

• a building;
• a computer system within the building, wherein the computer system is configured to:
• receive, via a network, a plurality of food orders from corresponding ones of a plurality of devices;
• receive, via the network, payment information for each of the plurality of food orders;
• and
• arrange the plurality of food orders in a sequence for preparation;
• a food preparation area in which the plurality of food orders are prepared and packaged;
• a food pick-up area arranged to facilitate a pick-up of first one of the plurality of food orders by a walk-up customer;
• a drive-through pick-up window arranged to facilitate a pick-up of a second one of the plurality of food orders by an occupant of a vehicle;
• an order-ready board configured to display directions for an occupant of the vehicle to proceed to the drive-through pick-up window to receive the second one of the plurality of food orders;
• and
• a plurality of single-vehicle parking spaces arranged in a side-by-side configuration, wherein the order-ready board is visible to occupants of vehicles in ones of the plurality of single-vehicle parking spaces;
• wherein the facility is designated to exclusively provide take-out orders.