As consumer habits evolve toward speed, convenience, and accessibility, drive-thru coffee has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in the food and beverage sector. Once considered a U.S.-centric model, drive-thru coffee is now gaining popularity globally—including in the UK—due to rising demand for on-the-go service, mobile ordering, and contactless transactions.
Whether you’re a franchisee, property developer, or investor evaluating retail opportunities, the drive-thru coffee model presents an exciting blend of low overhead, high turnover, and consistent footfall—especially when paired with strong branding and a well-located site.
In this article, we explore the rise of drive-thru coffee, what’s fueling its success, site considerations, and how Fraser Bond can help commercial clients access or develop high-performing retail assets.
Busy commuters, mobile professionals, and parents on the school run all share a common need: quality coffee, quickly. Drive-thru locations cater to this demand without requiring parking, queueing, or indoor seating.
Contactless, drive-up service surged during the pandemic and has since become a permanent consumer expectation. Drive-thru models reduce health concerns, streamline service, and support safe customer interaction.
Unlike full-service cafés, drive-thru coffee sites typically require:
Smaller footprints
Fewer staff
Lower fit-out costs This enables faster scalability and more sustainable operating margins.
Brands like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Tim Hortons are aggressively expanding their drive-thru footprints. Meanwhile, independent and boutique operators are adapting shipping containers, kiosks, and mobile units to enter the market with lower capital outlay.
Whether leasing or acquiring property, these factors are essential for a high-performing drive-thru coffee location:
High-traffic road frontage (main roads, commuter routes, retail parks)
Ample space for vehicle queuing and circulation
Easy ingress/egress and visibility from both directions
Zoning or planning permission for takeaway food service
Access to utilities and appropriate drainage
Proximity to complementary businesses (e.g., petrol stations, supermarkets, gyms)
Well-placed drive-thru coffee locations can serve 300–600+ vehicles per day, depending on population density and brand loyalty.
Pros: Brand recognition, built-in customer base, marketing support
Cons: Franchise fees, fixed menu and design, less autonomy
Examples: Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons, Dunkin’
Pros: Customisation, lower startup costs, local branding appeal
Cons: Requires self-funded marketing and customer acquisition
Often utilises kiosks, converted containers, or trailers on leased land
Both models can thrive with the right location, operational discipline, and customer experience.
Drive-thru coffee is now seen as a resilient, low-risk retail investment, with long lease terms, consistent daily turnover, and relatively simple operations. Popular with institutional investors and private funds, these properties offer:
Stable rental income from credit-worthy tenants
Potential for long-term land appreciation
High-yield returns with net lease structures
Drive-thru-only builds with no internal seating
Dual-lane service models to boost throughput
Tech integration for app ordering and real-time queue management
Sustainability features like EV charging and solar panels
Fraser Bond offers commercial property services for retail investors, operators, and developers exploring the drive-thru coffee sector. Our expertise includes:
Site sourcing and acquisition across high-traffic urban and suburban areas
Tenant introductions (franchise and corporate brands)
Planning and feasibility studies for new builds or conversions
Lease structuring and investment sales
Support for off-market transactions and land assembly
Whether you're a private investor or multi-site operator, we help you identify, assess, and secure drive-thru assets that deliver long-term value.
Drive-thru coffee is more than a passing trend—it’s a permanent shift in how consumers engage with brands. For operators, developers, and investors, it offers a scalable, profitable model with growing appeal across the UK and beyond.
Fraser Bond is your trusted partner for identifying high-performing retail locations, securing drive-thru development sites, and supporting strategic expansion into this high-demand segment.
