Drive-in

Drive-in

A drive-in theater in Gravenbruch, Germany

A drive-in is a facility where customers can drive their vehicles into a designated area to receive services or entertainment without leaving their cars. Drive-ins are most commonly associated with drive-in theaters, where patrons can watch movies on a large outdoor screen from the comfort of their vehicles. However, the concept extends to other services such as drive-in restaurants, drive-in banks, and more recently, drive-in COVID-19 testing sites.

History

The drive-in concept originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first drive-in theater was opened by Richard Hollingshead in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933. Hollingshead's idea was to create a space where families could enjoy movies together without the restrictions of indoor theaters. The concept quickly gained popularity, especially in the post-World War II era, when car ownership became more widespread.

File:Beany's Drive-In Long Beach Calif 1952.ogv Drive-in restaurants also became popular during this time, with Sonic Drive-In and A&W Restaurants being notable examples. These establishments allowed customers to order food from their cars and have it delivered by carhops, often on roller skates.

Types of Drive-ins

Drive-in Theaters

Drive-in theaters typically consist of a large outdoor screen, a projection booth, a concession stand, and a large parking area for automobiles. Patrons can tune their car radios to a specific frequency to hear the movie's audio. Drive-in theaters reached their peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with thousands of locations across the United States.

Drive-in Restaurants

A tray attached to a car window at a drive-in restaurant

Drive-in restaurants offer a unique dining experience where customers can order and eat their meals without leaving their cars. The food is typically delivered on trays that attach to the car window. This format was particularly popular in the mid-20th century and has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Drive-in Banks

Drive-in banks allow customers to conduct financial transactions from their vehicles. These facilities often feature multiple lanes with pneumatic tubes or video screens for communication with bank tellers. Drive-in banking became popular in the 1950s and remains a convenient option for many customers.

Modern Drive-ins

In recent years, the drive-in concept has been adapted for various modern needs. For example, drive-in COVID-19 testing sites were established during the pandemic to provide safe and efficient testing. Additionally, some retail stores and restaurants have implemented curbside pickup services, allowing customers to order online and have their purchases brought to their vehicles.

Curbside pickup at a McDonald's restaurant

Cultural Impact

Drive-ins have had a significant impact on American culture, often depicted in films and television as symbols of nostalgia and Americana. They represent a unique blend of automotive culture and entertainment, providing a communal experience that is both private and shared.

Related Pages

• Drive-in theater
• Drive-in restaurant
• Car culture
• Automobile