Drive-in

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Drive-in is a facility (such as a restaurant or movie theater) where one can literally drive in with an automobile for service. At a drive-in restaurant, for example, customers park their vehicles and are usually served by staff who walk out to take orders and return with food, encouraging a less formal atmosphere. Similarly, drive-in theaters have a large screen and a car parking area for film-goers.

History[edit | edit source]

The drive-in concept was first popularized in the United States in the 1950s, and quickly became a unique aspect of American culture. The first drive-in theater was opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933 by Richard Hollingshead, while the term "drive-in" came to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s.

Types of Drive-ins[edit | edit source]

There are various types of drive-in facilities including:

  • Drive-in theater: A form of cinema structure consisting of a large outdoor movie screen, a projection booth, a concession stand, and a large parking area for automobiles.
  • Drive-in restaurant: A type of eatery where patrons can order, eat, and leave without needing to leave their cars.
  • Drive-in church: A type of church where attendees can participate in the service while remaining in their cars.

Modern Day Drive-ins[edit | edit source]

In the modern day, drive-ins have evolved to meet the needs of the digital age. Many drive-in theaters now offer digital projection of movies, and some restaurants offer touch screen ordering. Despite these modernizations, drive-ins still retain their nostalgic charm and continue to be popular, especially in rural areas.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Drive-in Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD