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Who Has The Fastest Drive-Thru In America?

A fast food restaurant is really only as fast as its drive-thru window. To me, purchasing a meal without having to get out of your car is the true essence…

Taco Bell drive-thru

A Taco Bell employee delivers an order to a customer at the drive-up window of the restaurant on March 31, 2020 in Hollywood, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A fast food restaurant is really only as fast as its drive-thru window. To me, purchasing a meal without having to get out of your car is the true essence of the fast food experience. But some drive-thrus are faster than others.

QSR Magazine has released its annual report on the best, most accurate, and fastest drive-thrus in America. I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong. While Chick-fil-A was awarded the title of 2021’s Drive-Thru Restaurant of the Year, based on the overall satisfaction with their drive-thru experience, it wasn’t due to speed. According to Eat This, Not That, more customers and longer lines led to Chick-fil-A landing in tenth place overall when it comes to how quickly you receive your order.

Chick-fil-A drive-thruScott Olson/Getty Images

A worker takes orders as customers line up in the drive-thru lane at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on May 06, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

When it comes to pure speed, Taco Bell takes the checkered flag. The average time it takes to get your food at their drive-thru is just 4 minutes and 28 seconds. These are the five fast food franchises that were found to be the fastest across the country:

  1. Taco Bell (4:28)
  2. KFC (4:32)
  3. Carl’s Jr/Hardees (4:46)
  4. Dunkin’ (4:55)
  5. McDonald's (5:11)
McDonald's drive-thru signScott Olson/Getty Images

A sign directs customers to the drive-thru at a McDonald's restaurant on October 24, 2013 in Des Plaines, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.