Chipotle CEO Claims Drive-Thrus Only Take 12 Seconds

According to CNBC , Chipotle has plans to roll out between 150 and 165 new stores in 2020, half of which will have “ Chipotlanes ”, or Chipotle’s version of drive-thru lanes. There’s just one catch—the drive-thru lanes are digital-order only. QSR Magazine’s annual Drive-Thru Study reported that drive-thru times are garnering slower overall, and quick-service restaurants are looking to speed things up .

Customers spent an average of 20 seconds longer in drive-thrus in 2019 compared to the previous year, according to QSR. Dunkin’ launched a similar system to “Chipotlanes” at Dunkin’ NextGen locations, allowing mobile orderers to bypass the regular drive-thru lane and grab their orders seamlessly.

“It takes us all of 12 seconds to get you your food when you pull up in your car because you’ve already paid in advance and made the whole order,” said Brian Niccol, Chipotle CEO, to CNBC. Digital sales have been great for Chipotle, accounting for nearly a fifth of the brand’s total revenue, according to CNBC.

As industry-wide trends have proven time and time again, people love convenience now more than ever, especially in the restaurant world. While the brand tends to be fairly conservative when it comes to major changes to its menu, Chipotle has positioned itself as one to watch in terms of technology, convenience and labor innovations .