Lima Ohio -
Over 12 million people visited fast food drive-thrus last year. That's according to researcher NDP Group. Local business owners say drive-thrus are not only a mainstay, but expanding.
They're fast, convenient and bring in the customers. That's why many local businesses such as Daryl and Daryl's make sure there are drive-thrus at their locations.
"We are known for our drive-thrus," says Daryl and Daryl's manager Lisa Godfrey. "If you have kids, just drive-thru, pick it up and go."
Daryl and Daryl's has a new location on Cole St. And Robb Ave, and about 5 months ago they added a drive-thru because they know that's what their customers expect. Godfrey says 99 percent of business at the location on the east side of town comes through the drive-thru.
Beer Barrel owner John Heaphy also understands how important drive-thrus are to his business. With his most recent restaurants he was sure to add a full service drive thru for his customers needs.
Biggby Coffee managers realized their "on the go " customers need to save time, and owner Peggy Rector says she wouldn't get half the business without one.
"56 percent of my business comes through the drive-thru. I wouldn't have a store without one," said Rector.
Some customers have become so use to the convenience of drive-thrus that it's frustrating when a business doesn't have one. Just ask Pat Basset who ordered from Panera Bread.
"Today I just wanted a green tea, but I came in at the noon hour so I had to wait five minutes," she said.
Panera Bread building a new location on Lima's east side is taking those concerns into consideration by putting a drive up window in the new store.
