National Drive-Thru Day, on Thursday, July 24, celebrates a food service trend we take for granted these days, but first gained momentum thanks to the growing car culture in 1950s.
The first drive-thru is thought to have been Red’s Giant Hamburg on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri in 1947, according to the National Today site. In-N-Out Burger in California began offering drive-through services in 1948 in the Los Angeles area, and Jack in the Box joined the move to cater to car customers in 1951. (Jack in the Box also came up with the idea for National Drive-Thru Day, according to the National Day Calendar site.)
Drive-thru lanes really kicked into gear after McDonald’s adopted the practice in opening its first take-out window in Arizona in 1975, according to Smithsonian magazine.
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Now there’s more than 8,100 U.S. restaurants with drive-through lanes and that’s expected to surpass 9,000 in 2026, according to Polaris Market Research.
“Drive-thru culture isn’t just a trend – it’s core to how Americans eat,” said Polaris Market Research senior analyst Apurva Agarwal in a statement to USA TODAY. “Even as delivery apps surge, the drive-thru remains the fastest, most dependable way to grab a meal. Major chains are doubling down on technology to keep lines moving and customers loyal.”
If you’re in the mood for a mobile meal, here are some deals. Remember, check the social media accounts of your favorite local restaurants with drive-thru lanes for additional deals.
National Drive-Thru Day deals
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Chick-fil-A: The fast-food chain doesn’t have a nationwide deal, but many locations have their own deals. For instance, the Chick-fil-A Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas will be giving away Chick-fil-A swag and free food items on your next visit.
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Del Taco: Members of the Del Yeah! Rewards loyalty program will get 20% off any purchase from July 24–30. You must be registered for Rewards, save and select the offer – find it in the Rewards/Your Offers section and apply when you are in Checkout – before redemption, and order with the Del Yeah! Rewards app or at deltaco.com. You can also select “Order in Person” and have your QR code scanned at the register.
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Dunkin’: Members of the Dunkin’ Rewards loyalty program can get medium Refreshers for $3 (offer good through Aug. 19). Another limited time offer: $5 Meal Deal with two Wake-Up Wrap Sandwiches and a medium hot or iced coffee.
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Fazoli’s: Buy one, get one free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce at participating locations using code BOGO25. Offer good from July 24 through July 29.
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Greenlane: The Tampa-based salad and salad wrap chain is giving customers a free lemonade on July 24 with the purchase of any made-to-order salad or wrap.
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Krispy Kreme: Go through the drive-thru on July 24 and get a free Original Glazed doughnut (no purchase necessary, one per person, at participating shops). Could be chance to partake of the chain’s new “Hungry for Heroes” superhero-themed doughnuts.
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Scooter’s Coffee: Get $2 off hot, iced, or blended Caramelicious drinks all day on July 24 when you order in the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app (offer good on any size drink). Also, with any purchase you can get a limited-edition Scoot On Around sticker, while supplies last.
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Drive-Thru Day 2025: Get deals, free food at these chains
