Drive Thru Safety: Simple Steps to Prevent an Accident
In 1948, the Snyders created the first recognizable drive thru, an In and Out Burger with a two-way speaker ordering system. The drive thru system has only grown in popularity since then, almost completely replacing the drive – in restaurant by the 1970s. One of the many commodities that have passed through the drive thru window is the humble coffee. Coffee makes up over $1 Billion in McDonald’s sales, and approximate 70% of their customers report to go through the drive thru lane.
Drive thru service presents is own set of safety challenges, with customers and employees having to navigate preparing and delivering food and beverages quickly through a small window. A hot beverage can easily become a danger if not handled correctly in these circumstances.
No matter who is serving you coffee, whether it be a well-seasoned employee or a surprise celebrity, regular training and investment into safety procedures can protect your business and your customers. There are some simple ways to ensure your employees and customers safety, though.
- Prepare the drink with condiments already included:
Once a beverage is with a customer in the vehicle, it can be a challenge to add additions, such as milk and sugar. Holding the cup steady, while removing the lid introduces an unnecessary hazard, not to mention having to navigate small sugar and creamer packages along with a hot beverage. Avoid the hazard by adding a customer’s condiments before sealing and serving the drink.
- Securely attach the lid:
Always ensure that lids are fully sealed and fit the to go cup correctly. Lids with cracks, or chips should be discarded. Always double check each beverages lid before handing it out the window to a customer and, replace or reseal the lid as necessary.
- Always hold the bottom half of cups:
The most secure way to hold a hot beverage is from the bottom half of the cup. Many beverages can be top heavy, both due to the shape of the to go cup and large beverage sizes. “Palming” or carry a cup from the top, can lead to accidental lid removal, spills, or accidents.
- Warn the customer:
Verbal warnings can help to slow down a customer and remind them to take care while navigating their hot beverage into their cars. It takes only moment of time to remind a customer that “The drink is very hot. Handle with care!”.
These tips are just one part of hot beverage safety. Developing a safety plan for your café or restaurant that includes instruction of hot beverage preparation, serving, and communication is the best way to protect every aspect of your business, from employees to customers.
A critical employee training tool for hot beverage safety, Dan Cox & Associates has created a Handling Hot Beverages safety poster to prevent spills and promote safety with a consistent, clear reference for back of house staff of the tips discussed here, and more. Pick up copies in our Safety Store today!
McDonald’s Coffee Sales Soar to Record High – Thecommonscafe. https://www.thecommonscafe.com/mcdonalds-coffee-sales-soar-to-record-high/.
Sinnott, Henry. “Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez’s Dunkin’ Super Bowl Commercial.” Heavy.com, Heavy, 14 Feb. 2023, https://heavy.com/entertainment/american-idol/ben-affleck-jennifer-lopez-dunkin-commercial-ad/.
