Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesFood & Beverage

How Have Drive-Thru and QSR Technologies Evolved during COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every corner of the foodservice industry, and this was especially true for drive-thru and QSR operations that had yet to digitize their drive-thru operations. With in-person dining off-limits for the better part of a year in many parts of the world, brands quickly shifted to prioritizing their drive-thrus. This spurred acceleration…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Food & Beverage teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.

Share

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every corner of the foodservice industry, and this was especially true for drive-thru and QSR operations that had yet to digitize their drive-thru operations.

With in-person dining off-limits for the better part of a year in many parts of the world, brands quickly shifted to prioritizing their drive-thrus. This spurred acceleration of digitization and adoption of innovative solutions that can bring new speed and accuracy to drive-thru service.

To explore in greater depth how the pandemic accelerated the digitization of operations in QSR brands, particularly in Europe, and saw many brands take their first steps on this journey, Beyond Technology host Hilary Kennedy chatted with Acrelec’s Peter McManus, VP, Global Account Management.

McManus, who has managed many a large account for Acrelec and saw the shift from a focus on in-person dining to drive-thru service happen in real time during the pandemic, was uniquely suited to offer his front-line insights.

“Certainly, there has been a range of reactions [to the pandemic],” McManus said. “One of the things that we’re certainly seeing is new thinking around new store designs. … Many [QSR] operators have reimagined what their stores should look like.”

That means catering to online and mobile ordering, special lanes to fulfill those orders, a new focus on drive-thru success, and more.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Food & Beverage: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Food & Beverage buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Food & Beverage Insights

Why shrink sleeves and premium packaging win shelf battles for brands

Why shrink sleeves and premium packaging win shelf battles for brands

Resource Label Group discusses the benefits of shrink sleeves and premium packaging for brands aiming to enhance shelf presence. These packaging solutions help brands stand out by offering customization and visual appeal. Their effectiveness in brand differentiation and consumer engagement is emphasized.

  • 01Shrink sleeves and premium packaging enhance brand visibility on shelves.
  • 02Customization options make brands stand out.
  • 03Packaging plays a crucial role in consumer engagement.

Jul 13, 2026

Why shrink sleeve packaging must align with your brand identity

Why shrink sleeve packaging must align with your brand identity

The importance of aligning shrink sleeve packaging with brand identity is highlighted, emphasizing its role in customer perception and brand consistency. This process involves ensuring that the packaging design, colors, and messaging are synergistic with the overall brand image. Consistently aligning packaging with brand identity helps enhance market presence and consumer trust.

  • 01Aligning shrink sleeve packaging with brand identity is crucial for brand recognition.
  • 02Colors, design, and messaging on packaging should reflect the brand's image.
  • 03Consistent packaging enhances market presence and consumer trust.

Jul 13, 2026

Shrink sleeve packaging: winning the shelf before winning the sale

Shrink sleeve packaging: winning the shelf before winning the sale

The article discusses the importance of shrink sleeve packaging in the food and beverage industry. It highlights how shrink sleeve packaging helps products stand out on store shelves and can influence purchasing decisions. By focusing on visual appeal, brands can increase their chances of sales success.

  • 01Shrink sleeves enhance product visibility on shelves.
  • 02Visual packaging can influence consumer purchasing decisions.
  • 03Effective packaging is crucial in the food and beverage sector.

Jul 13, 2026

Explore More Food & Beverage Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Food & Beverage.

Browse Food & Beverage Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Food & Beverage and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512