Question from Gary L.:
I think the drive-through is one of the best inventions ever. I love that I can get food and coffee without ever having to get out of my car. Who should I thank for this wonderful convenience?
Hello Gary,
The first drive-up window was actually not at a fast food restaurant. The first window was added to the City Center Bank in Kansas City, Missouri. Bank president. R. Crosby Kemper opened this window in 1928.
The idea of a drive-through window was not translated to a restaurant until twenty years later. In-n-Out Burger claims that they built the first drive-through restaurant in 1948. The restaurant, in Baldwin Park, CA had an intercom system so customers could order without ever getting out of their cars.
Today, drive-through windows can be found everywhere from restaurants, coffee shops and banks to drug stores, funeral homes and wedding chapels. Next time, you enjoy the convenience of the drive-through you should thank Harry and Esther Snyder, the founders of In-n-Out Burger.