Fast food and cars are two iconic features of American life. They merged in the early 20th century with the creation of the drive-in restaurant. These venues allowed customers to dine in their cars while servers on skates delivered meals right to their vehicles. This setup became a familiar scene portrayed in shows like “Happy Days.”

The real breakthrough, however, occurred in the late 1940s. Two contenders for the title of first drive-thru include an In-N-Out Burger in California in 1948 and Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri in 1947. Meanwhile, Europe didn’t catch up until a drive-thru opened in Dublin in 1985.

By the mid-1960s, the drive-thru concept expanded across America, leading to many imitators and innovators. For instance, Jack in the Box introduced a drive-thru only restaurant with no indoor seating and used a mechanical clown for taking orders. In Western states, the Wienerschnitzel chain offered A-frame structures with a car tunnel for ordering meals.

The drive-thru’s growth sparked changes in restaurant menus, favoring portable foods like sandwiches and fries. Car designs also adapted, providing larger drink holders to cater to this new dining experience.

The innovation in drive-thrus has continued. Modern versions often have multiple lanes and employ people with electronic tablets to ensure efficient service, as seen at many Chick-fil-A locations. This advancement aligns with American values, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and convenience.

The drive-thru has become an enduring element of American culture. It holds a place in the Smithsonian Museum of American History and has even influenced presidential campaigns. Historian insights remind us that the drive-thru reflects American passions: the desire for speed, efficiency, and sometimes, ease.

This article is part of the series “American Objects,” commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.